Cal EMA Acting Secretary Urges Californians To Prepare for Incoming Storms
Sacramento – Acting Secretary Mike Dayton of the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) today urged Californians to prepare for significant rainfall and snow, high winds and cold temperatures throughout the state during the next few days.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), California’s coastal and valley areas should expect high, damaging winds. The foothills and high Sierras should expect icy or snowy conditions and possible road closures.
“We are actively monitoring the situation closely and the state stands ready to support local response efforts if needed,” said Acting Secretary Dayton. “Although the storm systems aren’t expected to be as severe as in years past, it’s still important for everyone to prepare for potential power outages, small and urban stream flooding and very cold temperatures.”
Acting Secretary Dayton recommended that Californians who haven’t already done so should develop a family emergency plan and assemble or purchase an emergency supply kit.
Emergency plans should include:
· The name and phone number of out-of-town contacts
· Safe routes from your home or business to higher ground
· A place to reunite if you and family members are separated
Emergency supply kits should include:
· At least a three-day supply of food and water for each family member
· First aid supplies and medicines, as well as cash
· Battery operated radios and flashlights
· Extra batteries and a manual can opener
If they haven’t already done so, Californians who have developed their emergency plans and assembled or purchased emergency supply kits should winterize buildings that could be used as shelter by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather stripping doors, clearing rain gutters and trimming tree branches.
“Anytime is a good time to prepare,” Acting Secretary Dayton said. “When the emergency happens, it’s too late.”
Acting Secretary Dayton also noted that Californians could obtain sandbags from their local Public Works department and that people with access and functional needs should make sure battery operated wheelchairs, breathing machines and other pieces of equipment are properly charged. These special populations should also be considered when developing personal emergency plans.
During the inclement weather, residents should listen to the radio or watch television to obtain information about the latest forecast and instructions from local officials, use telephones only for emergency calls, avoid driving if possible and cooperate with emergency officials.
Additional preparedness information is available at www.calema.ca.gov and www.ready.gov.
For the latest weather updates visit www.weather.gov.
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