*California has requested a presidential declaration of emergency
Officials of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services ?Cal OES? They have called on all residents of the state to be prepared for the possible eventualities that the next storm may bring, which is expected to be one of the most intense that has been recorded in recent decades.
From the State Operations Center, Diana Cruz Pelayo, assistant director of the Cal OES Office of Communication and Public Relations, reported that this Sunday California requested help from the White House seeking to issue a Presidential Declaration of Emergency, which will help the "Golden State" to direct all federal support for response and preparedness measures before the next round of storms, beginning tonight.
The request, he said, allows California to have immediate access to federal resources, as well as to have more personnel and support for the efforts that are taking place at this time to support all those who have been affected by the storm.
“We are experiencing what is the third in a series of storms that, according to forecasts, will arrive during the next 10 days,” Cruz Pelayo explained.
He added that this storm is coming with great force and communities will be affected by landslides, floods and blackouts.
“We know that many felt the effects of this third storm, but it is expected to intensify this Sunday night. The strongest effects will be seen in the next 48 hours.
In this sense, he stressed that they are working closely with the electricity companies for a quick response. "The work, of course, is not over."
The state official reminded all Californians to have steps they can take to protect their families: stay informed and sign up for your county's Emergency Alert System, prepare a family plan, and know evacuation routes at home.
Also, make sure that your family and friends are safe and have what they need to face this storm. Always listen to the instructions of the authorities and if they ask you to evacuate, do so immediately.
In his opportunity, Vance Taylor, head of the Office of Assistance for People with Special Needs, stressed that people with disabilities and the elderly are more impacted by disasters, so it is important to have a plan to maintain their health, safety and Their independence.
That is why he suggested having at hand, at least, the names and telephone numbers of 5 people who can help them to evacuate if necessary and go to the temporary shelters that are available throughout the state, the which will not ask for identification, papers or documents.
In the same way, you should keep in mind to take your daily medications and, if possible, the medical devices you need.
California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Diana Garcia urged staying away from floodwaters because they can contain dangerous chemicals and untreated sewage, which can cause serious health problems.
For peasants and agricultural and rural communities, he recalled that there are resources for them too, for which reason he called not to put their lives, their families and communities at risk to protect the cornfields and agricultural products. He explained that wastewater in rural communities can also have chemicals from pesticides and fertilizers that are very dangerous to health.
At the time, Secretary Lourdes Castro Ramírez of the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency said that if this storm arrives with the expected strength, it could cause power outages, severe damage, and result in loss of life.
For more information on these resources please visit www.chs.ca.gov and for information on shelters that are open in your area please visit www.caloes.gov.
The director of California State Parks, Armando Quintero, explained that during floods, mudslides and debris flows, it is very important not to go out to the parks and beaches in their communities. Currently, more than 100 state parks are closed due to problems caused by storms this week and past weeks.
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