Storm and flood damage in Kentfield, CA
Storm flooding brings outside water into homes from creeks, tides, storm drains and hillside runoff. It's treated as contaminated, and it's usually excluded from standard homeowners policies. Here's what that looks like in Kentfield, what to do, and how to get connected with an independent, licensed local provider.
Storm and flood damage in Kentfield: what we see
Kentfield's homes along Corte Madera Creek near the College of Marin are exposed to creek flooding in major storms, as the Ross Valley drains toward the bay.
The local picture
Where floodwater comes from. Knowing the local water sources helps you read warnings. Kentfield is shaped by Corte Madera Creek, which runs past the College of Marin and has a history of flooding in big storms, plus hillside drainages.
Low ground and runoff. Elevation and slope determine whether water arrives as a flood or as runoff. Kentfield spans the lower Ross Valley floor along the creek, rising steeply into wooded hills to the south and west.
Conditions vary a lot from street to street in Kentfield, so a provider should assess your specific home.
What to do right now
- Follow AlertMarin and official instructions, and leave early if told to.
- Don't walk or drive through floodwater.
- Once it's safe, turn off power to flooded areas, or have an electrician do it.
- Photograph water levels and damage before cleanup.
- Call your insurer (flood policy if you have one) and a restoration provider.
Want a local pro to take a look?It's free for homeowners and there's no obligation.
Kentfield checklist
- Keep important items off the floor in rooms closest to the creek.
- Sign up for AlertMarin.
- Look up your address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
- Keep important documents and valuables off lower floors.
- Ask your agent about flood insurance before you need it.
How a provider handles it
Providers extract water and mud, remove porous materials the floodwater touched, clean and disinfect, and dry the structure with documented readings before rebuilding. For the full picture, read our complete guide and the deep dive on categories and classes of water. We also have a storm-season article on creek flooding and your home.
Before you hire anyone, check the license on the CSLB website. Here's how we vet providers.
Nearby towns and more for Kentfield
- Water Damage in Kentfield: our full local page
- Storm and flood damage service
- Burst pipe water damage in Kentfield
- Crawlspace flooding in Kentfield
- Sewage backup cleanup in Kentfield
- Same problem nearby: storm flooding in Ross, storm flooding in Greenbrae, storm flooding in Larkspur, storm flooding in San Anselmo
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if the creek is rising?
Follow AlertMarin and local officials' instructions, and leave early if advised.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
Standard policies typically exclude flood; flood insurance through the NFIP or private insurers may apply. See FloodSmart.gov.
Is floodwater dangerous?
Floodwater is treated as contaminated. Wear boots and gloves and follow CDC guidance.