December 29, 2005
By Deb Kollars -- Bee Staff Writer
Sacramento Bee

The recent rains and rising rivers are a natural part of the annual weather pattern in Sacramento and the Central Valley, playing out most years with plenty of drama but little damage.

But they also serve as a reminder that people should prepare for the worst.

A flood could hit with speed, volume and little warning, yet many people have not adequately prepared. Across the state, just 30 to 35 percent of people have taken steps to get ready for a disaster, according to the state Office of Emergency Services.

After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast, and with the growing awareness of Sacramento's flood risks, state and local emergency preparedness experts are hoping that number will grow.

"A lot of people don't prepare for emergencies," said Dale Chessey, public affairs officer for California's emergency services office, noting the one-third who do. "When you think of that, it's really low."

He and others involved in public safety are urging families and individuals to take seriously their personal responsibility in preparing for emergencies. In a disaster, police, fire and medical crews cannot do it all; the public must be a partner.

David Wiltse, emergency services manager for the Sacramento Chapter of the American Red Cross, has been involved in helping people in about 80 disasters across the United States during his 34 years with the Red Cross.

A disaster is tough on everyone, he said. But those who have taken time to prepare have a greater sense of calm.

"Any disaster is a traumatic event. But people who prepare have a good feeling about it," he said. "People who don't prepare can have a much harder time."

Flooding is high on the minds of emergency experts in the Sacramento area. Here are their recommendations for preparing for a flood crisis, although most of these steps also apply to other emergencies, such as a terrorist attack, earthquake and fire.

Know your risks
People should start by assessing their personal situations. Do you live behind levees that could fail and unleash a flood of water? Or a creek that could exceed its banks in heavy rain? Is your home on low ground? What about your place of employment, or your children's schools?

Most counties and incorporated cities have staff members who can help residents learn the elevation of their homes and flooding risks. City of Sacramento residents, for example, can call the Floodplain Information Line at (916) 808-5061. Sacramento County residents can call (916) 874-7517.

In addition, the city and county of Sacramento have released a collection of maps showing 18 hypothetical levee breaks. The maps illustrate where the water would go, how deep it would get, evacuation routes and which roads would become inundated in a flood. The maps can be viewed or downloaded at www.sacbee.com/links.

Knowing the potential flood depths for your home can help you decide whether it is worthwhile to store valuables on higher shelves or in upper-story rooms.

Create a plan
Every household should have a clear plan for dealing with a disaster, said Jerry Colivas, manager of the city of Sacramento's office of emergency services.

The plan should include a safe rendezvous location if evacuation becomes necessary, such as the home of a friend or family member outside the floodplain. And it should spell out how everyone would get there, whether they are fleeing from home, work or school. Parents should check with their children's schools to understand campus emergency plans and where their youngsters might be transported.

Think about those who would be especially vulnerable, such as latchkey children, the elderly or disabled individuals. Line up neighbors you trust to be a part of the evacuation plan for those who might be home alone and in need of assistance.

In addition, consider pets and livestock, and how you would transport, shelter and feed them.

In the event that phone lines go down and household members become separated, families should identify in advance a friend or relative in a different locale as their central message collection point. Everyone should know the number and be prepared to call that person to report their whereabouts or needs, Colivas said.

Gather important papers, such as insurance and property records, in a ziplock bag and keep them in a handy place in case you need to leave in a hurry. Don't forget veterinary records. Inventory your home and its contents with lists and photos for insurance purposes. Consider keeping copies of receipts and other important documents in two different places.

Decide in advance what valuables you would take, such as photos and keepsakes, as well as prescription drugs and medical supplies, and have them in a convenient location.

Sacramento's greatest flood risks come during the winter and early spring when it is cold and rainy. So be prepared to grab blankets or sleeping bags, warm clothing and sturdy shoes. Have rain gear on hand in case you need to be out in the elements clearing storm drains or wading through pools of water.

If possible, practice your evacuation plan in advance.

In addition, think through and practice how you would get to an upper story or a roof if you were stranded in a flooded neighborhood.

Get training
At least one person in every household should have training in first aid and CPR, according to Wiltse of the American Red Cross. Emergency medical crews and hospitals often get overwhelmed in disasters, so people should be prepared to help themselves and others to the extent they can, he said.

Also, to reduce the risk of fires and explosions, make sure you know how to turn off your natural gas main, water service main and electric fuse box or circuit breaker. Contact your utility providers if you don't know how. When returning home after a crisis, don't turn them back on yourself; contact your utility providers about restarting.

Prepare an emergency kit
Get a portable radio and extra batteries. In a crisis, emergency officials will rely on the media to impart information about weather, evacuation routes, shelters and other issues. Keep flashlights stocked with fresh batteries. Avoid candles because of fire danger.

Store enough food and water to survive at least three days. Food should be nonperishable and not require heating. Plan for one gallon of water per day per person and adequate water for animals.

Other items to include:

• First aid and medical supplies.

• Baby supplies, such as formula and diapers.

• Pet needs, including carriers, leashes, food and bowls.

• Personal hygiene items.

• Tools such as can openers, wrenches to turn off utilities, rope, plastic sheeting and ladder.

• Plastic bags of various sizes to move and protect items.

• Outdoor cooking equipment and supplies.

• Cash.

• Disinfectants including liquid bleach and powdered chlorinated lime that can be added to sewage to deodorize, repel insects and disinfect.

• Gasoline: Keep your tank full.

• Car supplies, such as flares, maps and windshield scraper

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