|
Up to 10 inches of rain is expected to pound Silicon Valley this week, with the potential of flooding and landslides in several areas from a series of powerful storms driven from the Pacific this week, with the most severe scheduled to hit on Wednesday. The intense winds and rain have already caused power outages and flooding across low-lying areas. The American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter is on standby to open evacuation centers if any residents in Santa Clara County must evacuate to flooding or landslides. The American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter urges residents to get prepared now by following the steps to the below. Floods Can Take Several Hours to Days to Develop - A flood WATCH means a flood is possible in your area.
- A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Containing - First aid kit and essential medications.
- Canned food and can opener.
- At least three gallons of water per person
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
- Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
- Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places . . . a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
When a Flash Flood WARNING Is Issued - Or if you think it has already started, evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
- Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades . . . they are there for your safety.
- If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
For updated weather information, visit the National Weather Service's San Francisco Bay Area Office at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/
|
