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Storm Preparedness 

Storms can be a serious threat to the safety and health of a community. These storms have been the most challenging and impactful in the past few decades. Storms cause widespread flooding, mudslides and power outages in many California communities. Making sure Californians are informed and prepared for storms and knowledgeable about what to do before, during, and after storms is key to saving lives.

Agencies across California are working together to get information, resources, and emergency services to Californians affected by the storms as quickly as possible.

Find more information and resources about winter storm preparedness at:

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Stay away from flooded areas and return home only when authorities say it is safe
Avoid flooded areas and do not drive unless it is an emergency
Flooding can cause mold, which can be a health risk. Wear a mask and heavy gloves when cleaning,
Be careful during cleanup; downed power lines may still have running electricity, which is a risk of electrocution

Suggested Messaging:

If youā€‹ā€™re ordered to evacuate from a flood, do so immediately! The ā€œPs of Preparednessā€ can help you gather what you need in the moment and ahead of time.

  • People (children, older adults and people with disabilities)
  • Pets
  • Papers (important documents)
  • Phones
  • Prescriptions (and glasses)
  • PCs (for the information stored)
  • Plastic (credit cards and cash)

Learn more at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/BI-Natural-Disasters_Floods.aspx


Suggested X Messaging: 

If youā€™re ordered to evacuate from a flood, do so immediately! The ā€œPs of Preparednessā€ can help you gather what you need in the moment and ahead of time.

Learn more at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/BI-Natural-Disasters_Floods.aspx

How to stay safe during a flood watch or warning
Suggested Messaging:

During a flood watch or warning, never walk, swim or drive through flood waters, and stay off bridges over fast-moving water. You can prepare now in case of an evacuation by:

  • Having a go-kit for each member of your family
  • Packing food and water for your family (including pets)

Learn how to prepare and stay safe during a flood watch or warning: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/BI-Natural-Disasters_Floods.aspx

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You can prepare now in case of an evacuation by:

  • Having a go-kit for each member of your family
  • Packing food and water for your pets
Stay safe after flooding, landslides and mudslides.

Suggested Messaging: 

Heavy rain can cause flooding and mudslides. If there is active flooding or a mudslide, please stay away from the affected area(s) until you are told it is ok to return. Learn more about staying safe during and after a landslide or mudslide by visiting: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/BI-Natural-Disasters_Floods.aspx



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Stay safe before and during a flood
Sign up to receive local emergency alerts. Make a family emergency plan and pack go-bags
know multiple exit routes out of your neighborhood. Check o loved ones and neighbors

 

ā€‹Suggested Messaging:

Never attempt to drive or walk across creeks or flooded roads. Keep yourself and your family safe with these tips. Visit http://calalerts.org to sign up for emergency alerts in your county. For more flood preparedness tips & resources: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/BI_Natural-Disasters_Floods.aspx


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Visit http://calalerts.org to sign up for emergency alerts in your county. For more flood preparedness tips & resources: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/BI_Natural-Disasters_Floods.aspx


Keep your food safe during power outage


Suggested Messaging: 

Practice food safety if your power goes out.  

  • Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if the door is kept closed. A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full).  
  • If the power has been out for more than 4 hours, throw out refrigerated perishable foods.  
  • Once power is restored, use appliance thermometers to keep the freezer at 0ā„‰ or below and the refrigerator at 40ā„‰ or below.  
  • Use dry ice or freeze containers of water and gel packs to help keep food cold if the power goes out.  
  • When in doubt, throw it out.  

Learn more about food safety during power outages: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.html

X: 

Practice food safety when your power goes out by keeping your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. When in doubt, throw it out.  

Learn more about food safety during power outages: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.html

 
Safe generator use during power outages
Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage. Place the generator at least 20 feet from any window, door or vent.
Use an extention cord that is more than 20 feet long to keep the generator at a safe distance.
Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern or portable campling stove inside a home, tent or camper

Suggested Messaging: 

Improper use of generators during power outages can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning which is fatal.  

Whether your generator uses gasoline, natural gas or other fuels, follow these tips to keep the power on and your family safe while using generators during and after emergencies.  Find more information at:

https://www.cdc.gov/co/copoisoningfactsheet.html 


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Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from improper generator use is one of the leading causes of death after storms and power outages. Follow these tips to keep the lights on and your family safe:  https://www.cdc.gov/co/copoisoningfactsheet.html


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Suggested Messaging: 

Never drive around downed power lines as they can be an electrocution risk. Report downed power lines to 9-1-1 and your utility. Safety tips and more at listoscalifornia.org

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Stay safe after flooding. Avoid flooded areas and do not drive unless it is an emergency.

Suggested Messaging: 

After a storm evacuation, avoid flooded areas and wait to return home until authorities say it is safe.

For more information about flood recovery, visit: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/flood_recovery.aspx





Stay safe after flooding. Mold can be a health risk
Wear a mask and heav gloves when cleaning
Avoid cleaning if you have asthma or respiratory issues

 



Suggested Messaging:

When returning to your home after a storm evacuation, take precautions to keep you and your family safe. 

āœ‹šŸ½ Wait to return home until authorities say it is safe  

šŸ§¤ Wear a mask and heavy gloves when cleaning up  

šŸ˜· Be careful of mold, which can be a risk to health or an issue for individuals with asthma or respiratory issues  

For more information about flood recovery, visit: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/flood_recovery.aspx 

X: 

When returning to your home after a storm evacuation, taking precautions is important to keep you and your family safe. Itā€™s a good idea to follow your local health jurisdictionā€™s social media for updates. 

Learn more about flood recovery:  https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/flood_recovery.aspxā€‹

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