CAL FIRE Urging Flood Safety Awareness
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is observing Flood Safety Awareness Week March 12-16.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection does more than fight wildland fires, the agency points out in a reminder to the public to be prepared for flooding. CAL FIRE personnel respond to more than 300,000 emergency incidents annually, and some in the 1990s were floods caused by heavy rains throughout the state.
The agency said Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 12-16) is the time for families to be aware of the dangers and prepare accordingly. CAL FIRE offers these flood safety tips:
Before a flood:
- Prepare an emergency kit -- stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.
- Secure your valuables -- make sure to keep cash, credit/debit cards, passports, and anything else you consider valuable handy.
- Establish a meeting place -- locate a meeting place that takes you to higher ground where you and your family members can easily locate one another.
During a flood:
- Find higher ground -- if you are stuck in a flood, find higher ground.
- Do not attempt to drive -- even if the streets aren't completely flooded, you could become stuck in the middle of flood waters and make it harder for emergency personnel to rescue you.
- Listen to your local officials -- pay close attention to police officers, firefighters, and other designated flood response personnel. They will help to direct you to safety during a flood.