Tips for Northern Californians Facing Floods

It is another day of rain here in Northern California and it is not expected to get better any time soon. With that, comes the rivers getting higher. And that brings flooding. The river levels are the highest they have been in 7 years. Because of this, I bring you tips for floods:

-- Learn how your community notifies residents of impending floods and listen for alerts and warnings.

-- Make sure your family has a well-stocked emergency supply kit, including flashlights, a portable radio, batteries, food, first aid supplies and plenty of clean drinking water.

-- Formulate an emergency communication plan for your family. Select a meeting location in a safe area away from the home in case family members are separated. Designate an out-of-town relative or friend as an emergency contact and make sure everyone in the family has the phone number.

-- Learn how to shut off gas, electricity and water to your home in case you are instructed to do so by authorities.

-- Listen closely to announcements from emergency management officials and obey all evacuation orders.

-- Prepare to evacuate by assembling your emergency kit (remembering to include essential medications, cash and credit cards, and critical financial documents), reviewing the family evacuation and communications plan, and ensuring your vehicle's gas tank is full.

-- If instructed to do so by authorities, shut off gas, water and/or electricity to your home.

-- If time allows, move outdoor possessions like bicycles and patio furniture indoors and elevate valuable furnishings and possessions to upper floors or higher ground.

-- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately following the instructions given by authorities.

-- Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. More people drown in their cars than anywhere else during floods.

-- Do not walk through floodwater. In many cases, people underestimate the power of even a small amount of moving water. Be especially careful with children.

Be safe if the water is coming up in your area.