As California residents, we are all aware of the environmental challenges our state is facing. Drought and wildfires have plagued us for years, and now we are confronted with the serious issue of flash flooding, which caught many residents off guard.
Today, floods and debris flows are a realistic threat to the west coast. Homes and communities located within or along wildlands or wooded areas, (specifically areas that have experienced recent wildfires) are most vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
It is crucial to create a safety plan and prepare for today’s weather threats. The key is to prevent (reduce) loss of life and property, and to develop community resilience. Therefore, we have created a list of the top 5 emergency resources you will find helpful:
- Ready.Gov: The Ready website is a huge online resource addressing nearly every emergency service you can think of. They offer comprehensive information and details that can help you with prevention, and tips to help walk you through an actual emergency. They also offer a “Ready Kids” center offering education, games, planning and more.
- Streets LA: The city of Los Angeles offers a resource site that focus on Southern California safety. They offer mobile alerts and they also offer a comprehensive Post Wildfire Flash Flooding and Debris Flow Guide (in .PDF format) that is filled with valuable information, which you can download to your computer or mobile device.
- FEMA: The Federal Emergency Management Agency employs more than 20,000 people nationwide. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., they have 10 regional offices located across the country. Be sure to check out their California Severe Winter Storms, Flooding and Mudslides page for regular updates and information.
- Water.CA.Gov: This invaluable resource offers everything you need to know about water in California. Topics include groundwater information, flood risks and preparedness, water watch alerts, and more.
- CA Dept of Public Health: If you haven’t visited this website before, you will find a wealth of resources. Take a moment to read their Landslides and Mudslides section and how to stay informed of future events.
We hope you will take a moment to review these invaluable website resources and be sure to add them to your bookmarks, favorites and mobile devices for future reference.