Are you ready for storm season?
Tips for preparing your family!
Storm season is well underway and not going away any time soon and we need to be prepared. Large storms can cause flooding, power outages, and mudslides or fallen trees. These issues can last for hours or even days. Being prepared for any disaster will help you and your family get through it. Here are some tips to get storm ready.
- Locate and write down the telephone numbers for your local utility company, public works, non-emergency police and fire department, and any other numbers that may be important.
- Have an emergency plan in place for your family. Make sure the entire family knows where the meeting place is or knows the routes to the nearest community center, church, or public place where they can take shelter from the storm. Download your Family Emergency Planning Kit NOW
- Have some canned food on hand as well as a manual can opener. Additionally, you will want a gallon of water per person per day on hand for extended periods of power outages or if the water becomes unsafe to drink.
- Have flashlights, extra batteries, candles, and a lighter on hand. Be sure to put these items in a location where they are easily assailable. If you have a back up generator make sure it has fuel and test that it works before the storm hits. Make sure you have a first aid kit handy as well.
- Make sure your electronic devices like laptops, cell phones, and tablets are charged and use them sparingly just in case you need them for an emergency. Also make sure your car or truck has a full tank of gas in case you need to leave your home.
- Have games, books, or other activities on hand to keep you entertained in case of a power outage. Having different types of activities on hand will keep everyone entertained and less bored.
- Help keep storm drains free of leaves and debris during rains, and put leaves and other yard debris in your green waste container.
- If your property has a history of flooding, purchase sand and sandbags at a hardware or home improvement store - before the storm hits. Locate any sandbag distribution areas within your neighborhood and city.
- Report storm-related hazards to the City or your utility provider. Contact the City about flooding, high creek levels, fallen trees or limbs, clogged storm drains or culverts, traffic signals or street lights out, street signs down, or downed power lines.
- Most importantly, stay away from downed or sagging power lines, streetlights, or traffic signals, and any debris that might be entangled with them—they could be deadly!
Use these tips to help you get through a storm and any problems the weather may cause. Being prepared will help you and your family be storm ready. Losing power or area flooding can be scary. Making sure you have supplies that will keep you and your family safe will be essential during this time.
Local Numbers to keep Handy
Lodi Electric: 209-368-5735
Lodi Police Dept: 209-333-6727
Elk Grove Public Works: 916-687-3005
Elk Grove Police Dept: 916-714-5115
Sacramento Police Dept: 916-264-5471
Cal Trans: 530-741-5474
SMUD: 888-456-7683
PG&E 24 Hour Customer Service: 800-743-5000
PG&E 24 Hour Power Outage Info: 800-743-5002
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