This year California Flood Preparedness Week takes place from October 23rd to October 30th, 2021. In it’s eighth year, California Flood Preparedness Week was started by The California Department of Water Resources as a single event in Sacramento and is now promoted statewide to inform and educate Californians about flood risk and preparedness. Many communities throughout California have experienced flooding of one type or another over the years, including our own. CADWR even has pictures of flooding going back to 1862 on their website here.
Do you know what to do before, during and after a flood in your area?
Before:
- Know if your home is in a flood zone.
- Be aware of the possibility of flooding in your area by monitoring local weather forecasts and following local authorities warnings.
- Learn the difference between flood watches, advisories and warnings.
- Have an emergency kit ready for your home and vehicle. Don’t forget to have supplies for everyone in your household including your pets.
- Be prepared to evacuate early by knowing your escape routes and where you will go before an emergency.
During:
- Don’t drive through flooded roads. 2 feet of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
- Turn off your utilities at the main switches including closing the main gas valve.
- Avoid flood waters that may be contaminated. Don’t play or swim in swollen rivers or attempt to walk across creeks or streams when the water is above your knees.
- Drink only clean or boiled water.
- Know what to do during a power outage.
After:
- Avoid contact with any floodwaters because they may be contaminated.
- Continue to monitor local weather forecasts.
- If evacuated, do not return home until officials tell you it’s ok to.
- If your home has been damaged by flood waters contact your insurance provider, take pictures, save your receipts and dispose of damaged items properly.
More information is available from the California Department of Water Resources
This information has been presented to you by Trisha Jacobs from trishaswcfirewx
