As we put together this newsletter, which will be scheduled in advance to go out first thing in the morning on Mon., Jan. 9, we don’t yet know how that day will unfold. But we do know, based on National Weather Service’s Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, that the waters of the San Lorenzo River could reach the flood stage, especially near Felton. That looming threat has focused our attention on emergency preparation, and in that spirit we just posted a guide to message systems, apps and digital maps that will provide important information in the event of an emergency situation.
We also spent a lot of time looking for advice on contending with floods. Here are 10 things to remember.
- If you haven’t already, sign up for CodeRED alerts and manage your account to ensure you’re receiving notifications on local public safety situations.
- Check current flood advisory information from the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience.
- Useful number for information on flooding and local shelters: The county’s Rainstorm Call Center can be reached at (831) 454-2285.
- If you live near rivers or creeks, California Local’s Santa Cruz Weather overview page has links to water levels at specific points on the San Lorenzo and Pajaro rivers and Soquel, Corralitos and Salsipuedes creeks.
- Heed evacuation notifications—check Zonehaven to see the zones where you live and work.
- Keep your car filled with gas or fully charged, and carry an emergency pack that includes a blanket, water, food, a flashlight and batteries. Make sure your cell phone and any battery packs are fully charged.
- If you are asked to leave your property, elevate valuable or potentially toxic items—including electronics, important paperwork, pesticides and chemicals—on high shelves. Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Don’t touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- If you must drive, check California Local’s Santa Cruz Traffic and Transportation page. Or you can download the Caltrans QuickMap app QuickMap.dot.ca.gov
- Do not walk through moving water—just six inches of water can sweep an adult off his/her feet.
- Do not attempt to drive through a flood, debris flow, or into flooded areas.
