Rains in the region last week caused flooding in many areas and offered a preview of what this latest storm may bring. Red Cross volunteers provided shelter and assistance to several residents affected by the storm and are currently working closly with emergency officials to ensure resources are in place to assist impacted communities.
“Strong winds and rain are expected to create a number of hazards throughout our region, so it’s critical everyone takes steps now to be ready,” said Kathleen Weis, Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross Gold Country Region. “Having an emergency kit filled with necessary items such as food, water, a radio, flashlights, batteries and more are essential to keeping you and your family safe during an emergency.”
BUILD AN EMERGENCY KIT
An emergency kit should contain enough supplies to sustain you and every member of your household, including pets, for a minimum of 72 hours. This includes food, water, a first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio.
“Emergency kits are not ‘one-size-fits-all’”, says Weis. “Along with the basics of food and water, every family has specific needs and your emergency kit should account for those specifics.”
Other suggested items to add to an emergency kit may include the following:
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit –Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
FLOOD SAFETY
This week’s storm is expected to bring a large amount of rain to the region in a short period of time, which increases the risk of flooding. The ongoing drought has left much of our landscape unable to absorb large amounts of water quickly, which also adds to the flood risk. Additionally, areas affected by wildfires over the summer are vulnerable to mud and debris flows. It is important that residents are aware of the riskS and take steps to prepare their home and family.
Flood Watch vs Flood Warning
Listen to area radio and television stations and a NOAA Weather Radio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress or other critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS). It’s also important to know the difference between a flood watch and warning as it will impact how you respond:
- Flood/Flash Flood Watch—Flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area.
- Flood/Flash Flood Warning—Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
- Clear leaves from storm drains and rain gutters in advance of the storm
- Know your city’s/county’s protocol for issuing sand bags. Not all areas offer them and/or resources may be limited. If they are not available, check with your local hardware/home improvement store.
- Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
- When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
- Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
- If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
- Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
DOWNLOAD RED CROSS FLOOD MOBILE APP
Earlier this year the American Red Cross launched its new Flood App to help save lives and reduce losses from floods and flash floods.
This free app gives iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a flood. The content is available in English and Spanish based on the user’s language settings on their mobile device. The app includes location-based, audible NOAA flood and flash flood watches and warnings – even if the app is closed.
Other features of the app include:
· One-touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to send a message letting family and friends know that they are out of harm’s way;
· Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;
· Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm to let others know where you are;
· Locations of open Red Cross shelters;
· Real-time recovery resources for returning home and cleaning up; and
· Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Gold Country Region serves a twenty-four county territory including Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba counties. For more information, visit www.redcross.org/goldcountry or follow us on Twitter @RedCrossCRC.
