Storm and flood damage in San Anselmo, 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 San Anselmo, what to do, and how to get connected with an independent, licensed local provider.
Storm and flood damage in San Anselmo: what we see
San Anselmo Creek runs right through downtown, and the town has seen significant creek flooding in past major storms, including in the downtown core. Homes and businesses along the creek are most exposed.
The local picture
Where floodwater comes from. Knowing the local water sources helps you read warnings. San Anselmo is shaped by San Anselmo Creek and Sleepy Hollow Creek, part of the Corte Madera Creek watershed, which has flooded parts of downtown and nearby streets in past storms.
Low ground and runoff. Elevation and slope determine whether water arrives as a flood or as runoff. San Anselmo spans the narrow Ross Valley floor with the creek through downtown, and wooded hillsides on both sides.
Conditions vary a lot from street to street in San Anselmo, 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.
San Anselmo checklist
- Move valuables and important documents off lower floors before major storms.
- Sign up for AlertMarin.
- Look up your address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
- 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 San Anselmo
- Water Damage in San Anselmo: our full local page
- Storm and flood damage service
- Burst pipe water damage in San Anselmo
- Crawlspace flooding in San Anselmo
- Sewage backup cleanup in San Anselmo
- Same problem nearby: storm flooding in Fairfax, storm flooding in San Rafael, storm flooding in Larkspur
Frequently asked questions
Is downtown San Anselmo prone to flooding?
Parts of downtown along the creek have flooded in past major storms. Watch AlertMarin notices.
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.