Severe Forecast For Bay Area: How To Protect Your Family From Flash Floods

Posted on December 11, 2014 in Bay Area News, Silicon Valley, Uncategorized // 0 Comments

I am sure that you have heard that the Bay Area is supposed to be hit by a severe storm today.

Here is the forecast from KRON4 Weather…

Since some areas in the Bay Area are expected to flood, we thought you’d like some of this information below.

Are You in a Flood Zone?

Do you know whether you live in a designated flood zone?

If you’re not sure, then you can go to here on the FEMA.gov site to check your location on their map.

Here are the basic items you should have in a diaster supplies kit according to Ready.gov/floods.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Keep your gas tank full – in case evacuation is needed.
Do not drive through a flooded area – Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control and possibly stall. A foot of water will float many cars.
Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded – Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
If a power line falls on your car you are at risk of electrical shock, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.

Listen to the radio or television for information.
Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground, when water is not moivng or not more than a few inches deep. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly. If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay in the vehicle. If the water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.

Photo by Jimi M