California Endures Nasty Storm To Start The New Year

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 07 Jan 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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California is known for its earthquakes and wildfires, but Mother Nature is adding heavy winds, rains, mudslides and blizzards to the mix this winter. Residents and tourists are reacting to a winter storm that began blowing in from the Pacific Ocean yesterday bringing rain, snow and high winds. American Red Cross is on the job - with tens of thousands affected by power outages, road closures and mudslide, flood and blizzard warnings, Red Cross workers have plenty to do - especially with more storms predicted over the weekend.

People in the Lake Tahoe area, some still recovering from a devastating wildfire last summer, are hunkering down in safe places as several feet of snow fall and winds gust up to 150 mph on some mountain ridges. Those near the coast and those in other California communities recently affected by wildfires are bracing for flooding and mudslides that may be caused by winds up to 40 mph, several inches of rain and huge surf. Red Cross chapters are in contact with local authorities and have mobilized volunteers and supplies to provide shelter, food and counseling as the need arises.

The American Red Cross offers the following tips to those being affected:

Know What to Expect and Reduce Potential Flood Damage…

- Know your area's flood risk--if unsure, call your local Red Cross chapter, emergency management office or planning and zoning department
- If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood
- Listen to local radio or TV stations for flood information

When a Flood WATCH Is Issued…

- Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home
- Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued

When a Flood WARNING Is Issued…

- Listen to local radio and TV stations for information and advice. If told to evacuate, do so as soon as possible

When a Winter Storm WATCH is Issued...

- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or TV stations for further updates
- Be alert to changing weather conditions
- Avoid unnecessary travel

When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued...

- Stay indoors during the storm

- If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs

- Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin

- As wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature

- Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks

- After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion

- Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...

-- Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk
-- Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing
-- Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route

When the Power Goes Out…

- Do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only
- Use items in the refrigerator first, then freezer, then non-perishable foods
- Use generators correctly - If you have a portable generator and the power goes out, always plan to keep the generator outdoors. Never operate it inside, including the basement, garage, carport or near any open windows. Connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring.

The Red Cross counts on its volunteers and its partnerships with community-based organizations and national organizations to meet constant food and shelter and service center needs in situations like this. Funding for cots, blankets, hot meals and transportation comes from the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which is then replenished by gifts from local and national donors who demonstrate their compassion through the Red Cross.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

American Red Cross

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