With early storms already bringing mudslides and flooding to Southern California, local officials are encouraging residents to prepare their homes and property for the coming wet weather and to arm themselves with safety tips.
Los Angeles County offers these rainy weather safety tips:
When Outside --
- Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding. If you are caught outdoors during a heavy rain and flood climb to high ground and stay there.
- Stay back from rushing water, as during flash floods water can increase suddenly.
- If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, STOP! Turn around and go another way.
- Don't walk through flooded areas. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
- Children should NEVER play around high water, storm drains, viaducts, or arroyos.
- Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is another major source of deaths in floods. Electric current passes easily through water.
Outside Your Home --
- Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance -- infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
- Before entering a building, inspect foundations for cracks or other damage. Do not go in if there is any chance of the building collapsing.
- Be careful walking around. After a flood, steps and floors are often slippery with mud and covered with debris, including nails and broken glass.
- If your home, apartment or business has suffered damage, call the insurance company or agent who handles your flood insurance policy right away to file a claim.
Preparedness --
- Take steps to reduce your risk of future floods.
- Follow local building codes and ordinances when rebuilding.
- Use flood-resistant materials and techniques to protect yourself and your property from future flood damage.
- Check with your local fire department for additional preparedness tips.
Other safety and weather tips and resources can be found at www.lacounty.gov/elnino
