Stay Safe During Stormy Weather

3/4/2016

Emergency/Preparedness

Article Date: Friday, March 4, 2016

Heavy rains and gusty winds are forecast for the Sacramento region this weekend. Use the following tips to stay dry and safe and help others do the same:

Prepare for wind. Secure yard items that may blow around. For downed power lines, stay away and call 9-1-1 immediately. Prepare now for the possibility of loss of power.
Watch for tree limbs. In instances of trees fallen in roads or right–of-ways, County residents can call 311 or 916-875-4311 for more information. (Please note: Trees or branches that fall on private roads or property are the responsibility of the property owner. Property owners should contact a private tree service for fallen trees or branches on private property.)
Know your flood hazard. Is your property subject to flooding? Are you in a repetitively flooded area? It's important to familiarize yourself with our region's flooding history.
Get sandbags. If your property has a history of flooding, get sandbags in advance at Sacramento County's self-serve sandbag sites.
Report localized flooding. Call 311 or 916-875-4311, go online, or download the Sac County 311 Connect mobile app
Turn Around – Don’t Drown. If a street is flooded, turn around. Don’t assume you can make it.
During storms, keep pets indoors in a sheltered area. Saturated soil and strong winds can topple fences, gates and trees allowing your pet to escape. Lightning and thunder scares most pets and can cause them to bolt, so ensure your pet is micro‐chipped, licensed, and have them wear a collar and ID tags.
Reduce your vehicle speed. Wet roads increase the distance and time needed to stop your vehicle. Be extra cautious when going over bridges and/or overpasses. Give yourself extra spacing between vehicles in front of you.
Carbon monoxide is a “silent killer.” It is not OK to heat the inside of your home with any kind of BBQ, propane heater, or any other fuel fired equipment. Only use heaters installed with your home and those designed to be used indoors. Make sure that your natural gas furnaces and other appliances are in good, clean working order.
Sign-up for Emergency Alerts. This system alerts residents about emergency events and other important public safety information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.
Where to get help. Call 211 in Sacramento for information on shelters and other services for people in need.