In an effort to protect Californians from the coming winter storms, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in California on Wednesday to support the continued response to recent winter storms.
The emergency proclamation supports emergency relief efforts, including authorizing the mobilization of the California National Guard to support disaster response, and directs Caltrans to request immediate assistance through the Administration's Emergency Relief Program Federal Highways to support highway repairs and other support for local response and recovery efforts.
Newsom also activated the State Operations Center to its highest level, and the state and federal governments launched the Flood Operations Center, which covers forecasting, reservoir operations coordination, and provides technical support, as well as materials to combat flooding, as sandbags for local workers.
"California is mobilizing to keep people safe from the impacts of the coming storm," the governor said. "This state of emergency will allow the state to respond quickly as the storm develops and will support local officials in their continued response."
Notably, the National Weather Service is forecasting heavy rain and snow, high winds, and the possibility of additional flood threats.
The heaviest precipitation is expected Wednesday night through Thursday morning in Northern California, and will extend through Thursday night in Southern California. Residual impacts from the flooding could extend into the weekend along with additional storms lingering into next week.
In light of this, the state has pre-positioned equipment, rescue personnel, and firefighters to support local resources throughout the state. Crews will mobilize quickly in the event of mudflows, avalanches, or flash floods.
The California Health and Human Services Agency ?CalHHS? has engaged with local and community partners to ensure that vulnerable groups ?people with disabilities, the elderly, and the unsheltered? are aware of the coming storm and have access to services in case they are needed.
In addition, the Department of Social Services is prepared to work with local partners and the American Red Cross to establish congregate shelters, while the Department of Public Health is prepared to deploy regional staff to support hospitals and healthcare facilities.
The Department of Healthcare Information and Access is prepared to send structural engineers to health care facilities to assess infrastructure impacts, and the Emergency Medical Services Authority is prepared to deploy Ambulance Strike Teams.
Given the risks, the state calls to avoid non-essential travel during the peak of the storm on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. However, if you must drive, download the QuickMap app for up-to-date information on road conditions, traffic, closures, chain monitoring and more.
In the face of possible power outages, authorities suggest taking an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternate power sources to meet your needs if the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank.
Have flashlights for each household member, and determine if your home phone will work in a power outage and how long your battery backup will last.
Californians are reminded to dial 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 for help or questions. If you have a critical emergency, please call 911.
Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts, including warnings and evacuation notices. Go to www.CalAlerts.org to sign up to receive alerts from your county officials.
flood risk
If you are under a flood warning, find a safe shelter immediately, do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters. Remember, just six inches of moving water can topple you, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
Stay away from bridges over swift water.
Learn about your medical needs and talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for electrically powered medical devices and refrigerated medications. Learn how long your medications can be stored at higher temperatures, and get specific guidance for any life-critical medications.
Remember that portable backup generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people each year and makes thousands more sick.
Thus, never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if the doors and windows are open, only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.
food storage
Remember to have enough non-perishable food and water for each member of your household for three days. Open freezers and refrigerators only when necessary. Your refrigerator can keep food cold for four hours. A full freezer will hold the temperature for two days. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Discard food if temperatures reach 40 degrees or higher.
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