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.