News Flash

Here's some information on how to protect your home in winter weather, tips on how to prepare your vehicle for slick wet roads, and tells you how to prepare emergency-supply kits for your home and car. We also have a handy flyer with all of this information.

Inside

• Conduct annual reviews of your property or rental insurance to understand and address coverage needs, and ask about flood insurance or coverage for sewer/drain back-up.
• Complete a detailed home inventory of your possessions and keep in a safe place away from your home.
• Check smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors and change batteries at least once a year; replace units every 10 years.
• Clean your fireplace chimney.
• Keep instructions and tools to turn off gas, electricity and water.

Outdoors

• Clean leaves and debris out of gutters and away from storm drains to prevent flooding.
• Trim shrubbery away from siding to prevent insect and moisture damage.
• Replace weather stripping and caulk that has lost contact with surfaces.

Prepare your Vehicle

• Consider replacing your wiper blades if over a year old and top off your washer fluid.
• Check your tire tread and pressure. Ensure tires are evenly worn.

Simple Steps for Preparedness:

• Make a Plan: Develop a plan for your family, business or other organization. It should include contingencies such as evacuating with little or no warning and reuniting with loved ones if you get separated.
• Get a Kit: Keep emer- gency supplies in your home, at work and in your car.
• Have Emergency Water Supply: Include WATER 1 Gallon per person per day - Minimum!

Sign Up for NIXLE: Get text and email alerts regarding emergency situations including road closures, and important city advisories. Sign up for emergency notifications: Go to www.nixle.com or text your zip code to 888777 today! Check the City of Healdsburg website for detailed information on emergency events: www.cityof healdsburg.org 

MAKE AN EMERGENCY-SUPPLIES KIT!

1. Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
2. Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
3. Flashlight with extra batteries
4. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio 
5. First-aid kit
6. Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
7. Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
8. Family and emergency contact information
9. Extra cash
10. Warm blankets and extra clothing 
11. Map(s) of the area
12. Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
13. Comfort items for children (toys, books)
14. Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
15. Tools/supplies for securing your home I Extra set of car and house keys

WINTER STORMS

BEFORE the storm:

• Keep copies of insurance policies, important documents, and other valuables in a safe place and in a water-resistant container. Consider a safe-deposit box for critical documents or items.
• Store emergency supplies and contact information in a handy location at work and home. Consider storing some items in your car as well.
• Discuss emergency plans with your family and those with those with disabilities.
• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. An emergency kit will serve you well in a storm, earthquake or any other disaster. Visit these websites for more information: www.red cr o ss.o rg, www. fe ma. go v, or www.calo es.ca. g o v 
• Keep your car fueled and have some cash on hand. If electric power is cut off, gas stations and ATMs may not operate.
• Consider keeping some water-proofing materials handy for emergency repairs, including sandbags, plastic sheeting, ply- wood or lumber, duct tape, etc.
• Prevent storm drain blockages by keeping leaves and other debris out of streets, gutters, storm drains and catch basins.
• Don’t forget your furry friends in your plan. Make sure they can get out of the cold and wet.

DURING the storm:

• Tune 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. Downed trees and drainage issues can be reported via the Utility Response Hotline (707 431 -7000 or ( 855) 755-6586. 
• Avoid unnecessary trips. Limit your travel and stay home or in a safe location during storms.
• Avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding.
• Do not drive across a flooded road or around barricades - you could become stranded.
• If you must travel during the storm, dress in warm, loose layers of clothing. Advise others of your destination and estimated arrival time.
• Keep pets inside and ensure they have shelter from the storm.

AFTER the storm:

• Stay tuned to your local radio or television for information and instructions.
• Use flashlights—NOT lanterns, matches or candles—to examine buildings; flammables may be present.
• Follow local instructions regarding the safety of drinking water. If in doubt, boil or purify water before drinking.
• Avoid disaster areas; your presence could hamper rescue and other emergency operations, and you may be in danger.
• Don’t use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes and hands, brush teeth, prepare food, make ice or baby formula.
• If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call 9-1-1.
• Avoid downed power lines - report downed electrical lines and broken gas lines immediately by calling 9-1-1.
• DO NOT TURN GAS BACK ON YOURSELF. Call PG & E at 1-800-743-5000

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