City of Sacramento staff are inviting people to attend the Oct. 21 “Highwater Jamboree,” which is expected to be the largest flood preparedness event in the region.
Attendees will be able to interact with flood-fighting equipment — including the “Claw” and other heavy machinery — as well as Police and Fire rescue vehicles.
They also can learn how to prepare for storm and flood events at interactive learning stations.
“The torrential rains in California earlier this year served as a great reminder of how important flood and emergency preparedness can be,” said Daniel Bowers, director of the City’s Office of Emergency Management. “The Highwater Jamboree is a fun and easy way to start that process.”
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North Natomas Regional Park (2501 New Market Dr.) and will feature more than a dozen partner agencies, including California Department of Water Resources, U.S. Marines, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and American Red Cross.
People can register for the free event on the City’s Facebook page. City staff say registration is not required but helps them plan for the event.
“The event last year was attended by hundreds and having a bigger venue this year allows us to host – and prepare – more people,” Bowers said.
Families and pets are welcome at the event, which also will feature several food trucks.
The Highwater Jamboree is named after a “high-water mark,” a term that describes the highest known elevation of a body of water during a flood.
“Because the city of Sacramento is located between two rivers and at a low elevation, it is at a high risk for flooding,” said Bowers. “It’s critical for residents to be educated about how they can protect their families, homes and communities.”