Preparing for an Atmospheric River or Flood in California

California is no stranger to atmospheric rivers—a weather phenomenon that can bring intense and prolonged rainfall, often leading to flooding. If you’re wondering how to prepare for such events, it’s important to take steps both before and during the potential flooding to ensure the safety of you and your family. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through this process.

Preparing for an Atmospheric River or Flood in California

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Atmospheric Rivers
2. Immediate Preparations
3. Creating an Emergency Kit
4. Developing a Family Emergency Plan
5. Home Preparation and Safety Measures
6. Staying Informed and Connected
7. During the Flood: Safety Tips
8. After the Flood: Recovery Steps
9. Additional Resources

1. Understanding Atmospheric Rivers

Atmospheric rivers are narrow corridors of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere that can bring intense rainfall to areas like California. These weather events can last for days and result in significant flooding, especially in regions with already saturated soil.

2. Immediate Preparations

Critical steps to take once you know a storm is approaching:

• Stay Informed: Monitor local news, weather forecasts, and alerts from trusted sources like the National Weather Service and Ready.gov.
• Communication Plan: Ensure all family members know how to contact each other. Keep a list of important phone numbers and addresses.
• Emergency Contacts: Identify an out-of-state contact who can act as a relay point for your family.
• Evacuation Routes: Know multiple routes out of your neighborhood in case roads are flooded.

3. Creating an Emergency Kit

Your emergency kit should sustain your family for at least 72 hours. Below is a list of essential items:

• Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three days.
• Non-perishable Food: Three-day supply of ready-to-eat food.
• First Aid Kit: Include bandages, disinfectants, prescription medications, and any other necessary medical supplies.
• Flashlights and Batteries: Ensure you have a working flashlight and extra batteries.
• Portable Charger: For cell phones and electronic devices.
• Whistle: To signal for help if necessary.
• Dust Masks: To filter contaminated air.
• Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape: For temporary shelter or to seal off a room.
• Moist Towelettes, Garbage Bags, and Plastic Ties: For personal sanitation.
• Local Maps: In case of road closures.

4. Developing a Family Emergency Plan

Work with your family to create a comprehensive plan:

• Meeting Points: Designate two meeting places—one near your home and one outside your neighborhood.
• Evacuation Plans: Practice your evacuation routes regularly.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Assign specific tasks to each family member (e.g., who grabs the emergency kit, who secures pets).

5. Home Preparation and Safety Measures

Taking steps to safeguard your home can minimize damage and ensure your family’s safety:

• Clear Drains and Gutters: Ensure that water can flow away from your home.
• Sandbags: Place sandbags around critical areas to prevent floodwaters from entering your home. FEMA often provides guidance on how to use sandbags effectively.
• Move Valuables: Relocate valuable items and important documents to upper levels or elevated areas.
• Electrical Appliances: Unplug electronics and electrical appliances. Move them to higher ground if flooding is imminent.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Bring lightweight objects such as patio furniture indoors.

6. Staying Informed and Connected

It’s crucial to stay updated during a weather emergency:

• Weather Alerts: Subscribe to emergency alerts on your mobile device. Examples include NOAA Weather Radio and local government systems.
• Social Media: Follow official accounts of local emergency services for real-time updates.
• Emergency Radio: Have a battery-operated or hand-crank radio in case of power outages.

7. During the Flood: Safety Tips

If flooding occurs, ensuring your safety becomes paramount:

• Evacuate If Advised: Follow evacuation orders from local authorities without hesitation.
• Avoid Floodwaters: Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Only six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and twelve inches can float a vehicle.
• Seek Higher Ground: Move to higher floors or rooftops if you cannot evacuate in time.
• Electricity Safety: Avoid contact with electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

8. After the Flood: Recovery Steps

The dangers don’t end when the flooding stops, and recovery can be challenging:

• Return Home Safely: Only return home when authorities declare it safe.
• Inspect Home: Check for structural damage and hazards such as gas leaks or electrical problems.
• Document Damage: Take pictures and keep records for insurance claims.
• Clean Up Safely: Wear protective gear (gloves, masks, boots). Disinfect areas to prevent mold and waterborne illnesses.
• Seek Assistance: Utilize community resources and recovery assistance from organizations like the Red Cross.

9. Additional Resources

American Red Cross: Offers services and emergency assistance during and after floods.

FEMA: Offers comprehensive guides and resources on flood preparation and recovery.

Ready.gov: Provides detailed plans for preparing and responding to floods.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only. In any emergency, always prioritize getting the latest advice from local health and safety authorities.

Make sure to check out more articles in our News & Views section. Feel free to reach out any time to see how Entropy Survival can help you prepare you and your family for any disaster or survival scenario.