Strong storms in California will continue to impact this spring, so experts recommend taking measures to be prepared for heavy rains.
The storms have brought serious consequences, such as the rupture of the Pajaro River dam ?which affected more than 16,000 people due to evacuation orders?, causing the state governor, Gavin Newsom, to declare a State of Emergency.
So far there are 33 shelters in 14 counties of the state, around 15,800 people evacuating and at least 6,800 without power, said Diana Crofts-Pelayo, spokeswoman for the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. ?Cal OES?, in a press conference organized by Ethnic Media Services in which experts met to talk about the storms that have hit the state.
The situation is not easy, because according to Vance Taylor, head of the Cal OES Office of Access and Functional Needs, the rains will impact the entire state, which will cause the number of people in shelters to increase.
Crofts-Pelayo pointed out that although the consequences have been serious, Governor Newsom has made efforts to have a coordinated response in such a way that all affected communities are protected.
In that sense, Corrin Buchanan, assistant secretary for strategic planning and policies of the California Health and Human Services Agency, reported that Cal OES and 20 other agencies are working as a priority with those who are homeless, people with medical conditions and disabilities, and residents of medical and non-medical facilities.
They urge to follow recommendations before strong storms in California
Crofts Pelayo noted that it is important that people follow the recommendations of storm response authorities and advised that Californians sign up for the state's warning system at CalAlerts.gov.
"If they ask you to evict, do it immediately," he said.
Similarly, he recommended that people prepare an emergency kit in which there is not only food and water but also important documents of family members.
Taylor emphasized that it is important that people charge their electronic equipment such as cell phones and backup batteries in advance, since it is very possible that they will be left without power due to storms, so she recommended connecting family members to receive support or shelter in case of need it.
The experts also pointed out the importance of the community staying together and helping each other, and invited the population to find out about the resources on the ListosCalifornia.org website.
"Sign up for free emergency alerts and learn about the different evacuation routes in your community, practice your plans and the necessary steps to stay safe," Taylor recommended, as the chances that communities will be impacted and affected by heavy rains , they are very tall.
Finally, the experts warned that although the state is carrying out great efforts, it is important that the public stay informed and do what they can to help others, because because the storms are widespread events and many people are affected, the Your state may also reach a limit on what you can do to help.
It is important that those who are emotionally affected by the storms call 1-833-317-4673 and in the case of older adults 1-888-670-1360. Also, those who want assistance or resources can send an e-mail to us@mediaatcalis.ca.gov.
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