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