The storms fueled by this El Niño are expected to have the greatest impact during January, February and March 2007. Although increased precipitation is expected, the NWS does not forecast particularly strong, unruly storms as seen in recent winters. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Service (OES), through our local emergency services administered by the Amador County Sheriff’s Department, is offering tips to help Californians prepare for the wet winter months ahead. Before the storm, OES recommends storing important documents in a safe-deposit box, assessing insurance coverage needs and preparing emergency kits with essential supplies such as first-aid kit, food, manual can opener, battery-operated radio, flashlights, batteries, and drinking water. Also, keep your car fueled and know safe routes to higher ground. During the storm, OES recommends avoiding flood-prone areas, crossing flowing streams or driving over flooded roads.

Travel should be avoided; however, if travel is necessary, dress warmly and inform others of your route. Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations for news updates and instructions. If you are advised to leave your home, move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood waters. After the storm, throw out all food (canned and otherwise) that has been in contact with flood waters, follow instructions about safety of drinking water (it may need to be boiled or purified before drinking), avoid disaster areas, downed power lines and broken gas lines and report them immediately. Do not turn gas back on yourself; rely on utility crews. Use flashlights, not lanterns or candles, to examine building; there may be gas leaks. To visit the OES website containing this news bulletin as well as previous news bulletins, copy and paste it into the address bar of your browser.... http://www.oes.ca.gov/Executive/Public/OES+News+Bulletin.nsf/Web%20News%20Lookup?openview. For more information contact the OES Office of Public Information at 916-845-8400 or locally 223-6500.