Press Release - Sacramento Fire Department Urges People to Prepare

Date/Time of Occurrence:	February 27, 2006
Nature of Occurrence:	Announcement
City:	Sacramento
Contact:	Battalion Chief Niko King
Phone:	916-216-0316
Email:	nking@sfd.cityofsacramento.org

SACRAMENTO – With the resuming seasonal rains over the next several days, the Sacramento Fire Department is encouraging local residents to take the precautions necessary to protect themselves from injury and their property form water damage.

Although the storms that will be heading through the area aren’t expected to have the impact of the storms that we’ve seen recently, there are always measures that can be taken to minimize any water related issues.

PREPAREDNESS TIPS:

Ensure that all drains, gutters and downspouts are functioning properly.

Keep drainage areas in the roadway or around your property free of debris accumulation.

Move valuable or easily damaged items away from low-lying areas that may be prone to flooding.

Prepare and keep at hand an emergency supply kit that includes food, water, medications, battery-powered radio, rain gear and first aid supplies.

TIPS FOR PERSONAL SAFETY:

Avoid the urge to sightsee and remind all household members not to play or linger near swollen rivers, creeks and drainages.

Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

Do not drive through a flooded area. It only takes about a foot of moving water to push a car off the roadway.

Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical currents can travel through water.

Report downed power lines to SMUD at 1-888-456-SMUD and keep everyone away.

The Sacramento Fire Department urges everyone to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their belongings safe over the next several days.