Mudflows Are A New Mountain Threat
Release Date: November 7, 2003
Release Number: 1498-15
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Pasadena, CA -- The rains forecast for California's fire-stripped mountains pose a further threat to lives and property in the form of devastating flooding and mudflows, emergency officials warned today.
"The risk of deaths, injuries and property damage from floods and mudflows after major fires is nothing new for California. Every summer we fight fires, and every winter we throw sandbags. The fire-flood cycle strains the resources of emergency management agencies. These fires have presented extraordinary challenges," said Dallas Jones, state coordinating officer for the recovery effort.
"This event will require a long term commitment to recovery," said Jeff Griffin, regional director for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "How well we rebound and cope with the aftermath is how we will be judged on this disaster."
As rains are forecast to begin, residents in areas subject to flooding and mudflows are urged to take the following steps to prepare:
Familiarize yourself with the warning systems and broadcasts on radio and TV.
- Develop and rehearse a family disaster plan in case you
have to leave your home.
- Find the safe places in your home for different types of
disasters - e.g., a basement is not a safe place in a flood or mudflow, but
might be in a windstorm.
- Post emergency numbers by the phone.
- Know how to turn off utilities and keep the necessary tools
at hand.
- Survey your home for possible hazards.
- Assemble a disaster supplies kit for the home and another
for the trunk of your car.
- Have a battery-powered radio on hand and be sure the batteries
are fresh.
- Sandbag to protect your property. Call your county or city
public works department, or your fire department, for sandbags. Coordinate
with city and county officials and your neighbors so flow diversions do not
harm someone else.
- Contact nearby local assistance centers to get additional information./li>
If time allows, other steps can be taken.
- Consider buying a NOAA weather radio. These broadcast warnings
of dangerous conditions from the National Weather Service on dedicated radio
frequencies. The radios are available at many electronic retail outlets, electronics
departments in department stores, some drug stores, and some mail order catalogs.
They are also sold in boat and marine accessory businesses, since they are
popular in the marine community.
- Make copies of vital documents such as wills, birth and
marriage certificates, tax and financial records, and credit card numbers.
Keep the originals in a safe deposit box, one copy of each in a safe place
at home, and one copy of each with an out-of-town relative or friend.
- Make a detailed inventory of your home, garage and surrounding
property, with photographs or videotapes. Store copies with the other vital
documents.
- Install flexible pipe fittings to prevent gas or water leaks.
- Check for adequate insurance coverage. Get flood insurance
if you don't have it. Flood insurance protects against flooding and mudflows,
homeowners' insurance does not.
- The rainy season has begun; buy flood insurance today. There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage takes effect.
The Governor's Office of Emergency Services coordinates overall state agency response to major disasters in support of local government. The office is responsible for ensuring California's readiness to respond to and recover from natural, manmade, and war-caused emergencies, and for assisting local governments in their emergency preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery efforts.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 10-Nov-2003 07:50:22