Are you ready for the next big flood?
Heavy rain brought multiple days of intense flooding to the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas this summer, and many people were not prepared. To help spread awareness and information, the state is hosting its second ever flood preparedness week.
California is one of the few states to experience seven different types of flooding. Every county in California has been declared a federal flood disaster area at least once in the last 20 years. In October 2012, several Federal and State agencies collaborated to launch the first annual effort to raise awareness about flood risk and preparedness throughout California.
This year several California counties are joining FEMA, FloodSmart, the California Department of Water Resources, the National Weather Service, the Delta Protecion Commission, and the US Army Corps of Engineers to host events throughout the state during the second annual California Flood Preparedness the week of November 4 – 9, 2013.
To learn about the flood risk in your area, steps you can take to reduce your risk, and ways to reduce the impact of a flood event, visit the host website for California Flood Preparedness week at http://www.water.ca.gov/floodsafe/ca-flood-preparedness/fpw_home.cfm
Additionally you can utilize these other resources to prepare:
BE AWARE of your Flooding Risks
Flood Risk Notification: http://www.water.ca.gov/myfloodrisk/
My Hazards: http://myhazards.calema.ca.gov/
BE PREPARED for a Flood Emergency
Be Red Cross Ready – http://arcbrcr.org
Sacramento County Storm Ready – http://www.stormready.saccounty.net/Pages/Home.aspx
Preparing for Floods: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/flood
Flood Safety Checklist http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340128_Flood.pdf
Protecting your Property from Flooding: http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/13261?id=3262
Flood Insurance: http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/
http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program
Monitoring Severe Weather and Flooding Conditions:
Understanding Flooding Terminology
-Flood Watch means it is possible that flooding will occur in a specified area. Be alert and prepared for a flood emergency.
-Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or is imminent in a specified area. Move to safe ground immediately.
-FLASH FLOOD Warning – means sudden and violent flood is occurring or is imminent in a specified area. Take immediate precautions to protect life and property.
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/
Emergency Preparedness Kits
Because of the unique conditions of the Delta, it could take days before local response workers will be able to reach you during a flood emergency. You may need to survive on your own until help arrives. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours.
Here are more resources for assembling an emergency kit:
Build a Kit – http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
Emergency Communication and Evacuation Plans
Understanding what to do in an flood emergency can save lives. Choose a family meeting place and have a plan for how to communicate during an emergency. The plan should also contain how to leave your home during flood warning and evacuation routes. Visit these webpages for more information:
http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
http://www.ready.gov/evacuating-yourself-and-your-family
http://www.stormready.saccounty.net/Pages/Flood-Depth-and-Evacuation.aspx
