Storm Preparedness

Tips for Before, During and After Storms

BEFORE the Storm

Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe deposit box.

Know your flood zone designation and your specific flood hazard. Obtain flood insurance if you are in a high-risk flood area. Homeowner insurance policies don’t cover flood damage.

Know safe routes from your home and office to high ground.

Discuss emergency plans with your family.

Plan in advance to assist your neighbors or have them help you. Plan for those with access and functional needs, mobility problems or other disabilities.

Obtain sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and other emergency building materials well in advance and keep handy for waterproofing.

Store the following supplies at work, home and in your car in accessible locations: 

     o First aid kit;

     o essential medicines (have alternative plans in place for refrigerating medicines or power-dependent medical devices); 

     o food (packaged, dried, canned and for special diets); 

     o non-electric can opener; 

     o cash (ATMs may not work);

     o  portable radio, flashlights (not candles);

     o extra batteries (stored in water-tight plastic bag) and backup power supply for cell phones and laptops; 

     o drinking water stored in closed, clean containers (allow 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days).

To build a disaster supplies kit, visit https://www.ready.gov/kit.

Ensure loose outdoor items such as grills, trash bins, and lawn furniture are secured.

Prepare for power outages by charging cell phones and laptops. Have backup power supply.

Keep your car fueled in the event filling stations are inoperable.

Help keep our creeks and Bay clean by never dumping into a catch basin. Prevent storm drain blockages by keeping leaves and other debris out of streets, gutters and catch basins.

DURING the Storm

Tune in to local radio or television stations for emergency information and instructions.

Please do NOT call 9-1-1 unless there is an imminent threat to life or another serious emergency.

If flooding is likely, and time permits, move valuable household possessions from the floor.

Do not drive across a flooded road – you could become stranded.

If your car stalls in rising water, abandon it IMMEDIATELY and seek higher ground if you can do so safely.

If advised by local authorities to leave your home or perceive the need to do so, move to a safe area before access is cut off or it is otherwise unsafe to leave.

Do not enter areas blocked off by local authorities.

If you experience a power outage, use ice or dry ice in coolers and fridge to prolong stored food and other perishables. Only open coolers and fridge when needed. 

Never use a generator inside the house, garage or near windows, as carbon monoxide gas can build up and kill those inside.

AFTER the Storm

If you have evacuated, return home only after authorities advise it is safe to do so. Keep tuned to your local radio and TV stations for recovery information.

Avoid disaster areas, especially flooded roads and washed-out bridges. Continue to monitor all forms of media to stay informed.

Use flashlights – NOT lanterns, matches or candles – to examine buildings; flammables may be present.

Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report them IMMEDIATELY by calling 9-1-1 and then (800) 743-5002 (PG&E).

Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. If electrical equipment or appliances have been in contact with water, have them checked before use.

Do not use fresh foods or canned goods that have come in contact with floodwaters.

Follow local instructions regarding the safety of drinking water. If in doubt, boil or purify water before drinking.