California is replacing and modernizing equipment for all 13 teams in its Swiftwater Rescue Program, adding new four-wheel-drive tow vehicles, rescue trailers, inflatable boats, protective gear and specialized tools before the winter storm season. The teams are based at local fire departments but can deploy anywhere in the state through California’s mutual-aid system.

What each upgraded team receives

According to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, each Type 1 Swiftwater Rescue Team will receive:

  • a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive tow vehicle;
  • a rescue trailer for moving equipment quickly;
  • two motorized inflatable rescue boats;
  • updated personal protective equipment;
  • specialized swiftwater rescue tools; and
  • modern communications and operational technology.

The equipment is intended for flash floods, flooded roads, fast-moving rivers and other water emergencies. If an incident exceeds a community’s local capacity, teams and equipment can be requested from elsewhere in California through the Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System.

What this means for residents

The state announcement expands emergency-response capacity, but it does not make flooded roads safe to cross. Water depth, current speed and damage beneath the surface can be difficult to judge from a vehicle.

Residents should know whether their home, workplace and regular routes are in flood-prone areas, enable local emergency alerts and identify more than one evacuation route. During a warning, follow instructions from local authorities and never drive around a barricade.

Prepare before heavy rain

  • Sign up for county and city emergency alerts.
  • Review flood maps and past road closures near home and work.
  • Clear gutters and drains where it is safe and lawful to do so.
  • Keep medications, documents, chargers and basic supplies ready.
  • Plan for pets and people who may need transportation assistance.
  • Check Caltrans QuickMap before driving during severe weather.

Preparedness is useful for more than storms. California58’s guide to the 2026 Great California ShakeOut tour and statewide drill explains how residents can practice earthquake response, while the state’s wildfire prevention and home-hardening measures cover another major California hazard.

How the program fits into statewide response

Cal OES manages specialized equipment that supplements local fire departments during major emergencies. The swiftwater upgrades are part of a broader storm-preparedness effort that also includes statewide coordination and new tools for assessing flood impacts.

Official source: Cal OES, Oct. 8, 2026.

Featured image: illustrative rescue-boat photo by Harry Skillett via Unsplash.

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