Public Health Emergency Preparedness

FLOODS AND RAIN

 

Yuba County is susceptible to heavy rain during the winter season. You will be warned by law enforcement officers using sound vehicles if an evacuation is required. Information would also be available over the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) radio system. If you need to evacuate from home, take along your emergency kit and other essential items.  See the Preparedness Educational Resources page for tips on preparing an emergency kit and family plan.

Suggested  tips for before, during, and after flooding

• Before a Flood
  To prepare for a flood, you should:
  • Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
  • Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
  • Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.
  • Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering the building.
  • Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
  SANDBAG  how to's is available by clicking Ehow.

• During a Flood
  If a flood is likely in your area, you should:
  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.
  • Do not wait for instructions to move.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly.
  • Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain
  • Beware of downed power lines or broken gas lines. Report them to the local gas or electric company, police or fire department.
• If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:
  • Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture.
  • If time is available, move furniture and other movable objects to upper floors of multi-story buildings.
  • Leave early to avoid flooded roads. Make sure you have enough gas. Listen to the radio. Shut off the main gas valve and turn off water at the main valve if instructed to do so.
  • Disconnect electrical appliances.
  • Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
  • Watch or avoid low areas where rivers or streams may flood suddenly. Watch for washed out or undermined roadways, earth slides, etc.
• Driving Flood Facts
  The following are important points to remember when driving in flood conditions
  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
  • A foot of water will float many vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-ups.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
  • Watch or avoid low areas where rivers or streams may flood suddenly. Watch for washed out or undermined roadways, earth slides, etc.
• After a Flood
  The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:
  • Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
  • Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
  • Avoid moving water.
  • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
  • Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
  • Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
  • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
  • Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
  • Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible.
  • Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
  • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
  •  Do not turn gas back on yourself. Rely on utility company crews. Don't use fresh food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
  • Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. If electrical equipment or appliances have been in contact with water DO NOT use them until local authorities tell you they are safe.
  • Do not visit disaster areas: your presence will probably hamper rescue and other emergency operations. Report broken utility lines to police, fire or other appropriate authorities.
  • Stay tuned to the radio (EBS) for vital information.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has specific information on what steps should be followed when returning to your residence or business after a flood. Information is available by clicking on the links below:

• After A Flood
• Reentering Your Flooded Home
• Hygiene and Sanitation After a Flood or Emergency
• Cleaning and Sanitizing with Bleach after an Emergency
• After a Hurricane or Flood: Cleanup of Flood Water
• Flood Waters or Standing Waters
• CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response Home Page

Additional Resources: 

• California Department of Water Resources Flood & Safety Topics
• FEMA Flood Information  - FEMA information as floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.
• Ready America - Floods - Provides additional information on flooding which is the nation's most common natural disaster. It's important to be prepared for flooding no matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even a very small stream or dry creek bed can overflow and create flooding.
• California Hospital Association - Flood Preparedness for hospitals is discussed by the CHA.

For information on protecting or mitigating potential flood damage, please refer to the links below:

• California Emergency Management Agency-Hazard Mitigation Section
• National Flood Insurance Program sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Floodsmart - the official site for the National Flood Insurance Program

The California Data Exchange Center (CDEC) installs, maintains, and operates an extensive hydrologic data collection network including automatic snow reporting gages for the Cooperative Snow Surveys Program and precipitation and river stage sensors for flood forecasting.
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/

The California Nevada River Forecast Center (CNRFC) is one of 13 National Weather Service River Forecast Centers in the United States. The CNRFC has hydrologic forecast responsibility for California, most of Nevada, and a portion of southern Oregon.
http://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather and Storm Watch
http://www.noaa.gov/wx.html

Federal Emergency Management Agency declared disaster and emergency information
http://www.fema.gov/hazard/index.shtm

California Department of Transportation highway conditions and traffic cameras
http://www.dot.ca.gov/roadsandtraffic.html

The World Health Organization is the United Nations specialized agency for health.
http://www.who.int/en/