February: Rivers, Rain, & Floods, Oh My!
Our wetter months bring new challenges to our area, like floods, power outages, mudslides, high winds and cold temperatures. Here are a few simple steps YOU can take today to keep yourself, your loved ones and neighbors safe. Visit Cal OES for more information here
RAIN
During rain events, it’s important to ensure your family and home are prepared. Heavy precipitation can lead to flooding issues in and around your home.
- Talk with your family about an emergency plan
- Pack a Go Gag with essential items for each member of your family, including your pets!
- Know hazards in your area, especially if you live in a burn scar
- Excessive rain can lead to debris and mudflows
- Know multiple ways to evacuate out of your neighborhood and keep an emergency car kit in your car at all times.
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters on your home and in drains near your home
- Cut down or trim tree branches that may fall on your home
FLOODING
In Martinez, we are familiar with flood conditions. Excessive rain can lead to roadway flooding – it’s never safe to walk to drive through flood waters. When roads are flooded, turn around!
- Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock down an adult
- 12 inches of water can carry away most SUVs and trucks
THE CITY OF MARTINEZ – Storm preparations
Pick up empty sand bags (limit is 10) at:
- City Hall – 525 Henrietta Street
- City Corporation Yard – 300 Alhambra Avenue
Sandbag Filling Stations (bring your own shovel):
- Church Street (located in the church parking lot)
- Rankin Aquatic Center (located in the upper parking lot)
- Ferry & Allen Street
- F Street (west end of F Street off Alhambra Ave)
The city provides flood, preparedness, and storm information here and a Sandbag Filling and Use Guide
POWER OUTAGES
Extreme weather can cause power outages that may last for days. During a power outage, it’s important to ensure your family is prepared.
- Have flashlights, storm lanterns or other devices at the ready
- Have a plan for protecting food during a power outage
- Have back-up charging devices for cell phones and other essential electronics
- Never use a generator inside your home
CalOES provides helpful information for all Californians. Visit their website at https://news.caloes.ca.gov/
At Martinez Area CERT, we have developed a 12-month preparedness guide that you may download here: 12 month. The February guide may be downloaded here: Feb pdf
Join Martinez Area CERT for Free Spring Basic Training.
Disasters can strike at any time and being prepared for these, and other unexpected events is critical to saving lives. Each of us has a responsibility to understand the risk natural and man-made disasters pose to our families and communities, and to recognize we each have a role in preparing for these events. Our Basic Training Program covers disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact our area and trains in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The course offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization. Classes begin March 6, 2024. Sign up now to secure your space at [email protected], sign up here. A complete Spring 2024 class schedule is here.
GET ALERTS
SMART 911
Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for Martinez Alerts. This system enables The City of Martinez to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, police activity, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods. You may specify your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more.
THE CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COMMUNITY WARNING SYSYEM
The Contra Costa County Community Warning System (CWS) is one of the nation’s most modern and effective all-hazard public warning systems. CWS is an all-hazards system designed to alert the community of an emergency through multiple communication tools. CWS is generally not used for traffic alerts. Sign up to receive important alerts from CWS here.
CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
California EOS provides alerts and messaging with critical information. Don’t let earthquakes catch you off guard! Seconds of advance warning can provide opportunity to take life-saving actions. Register for California Earthquake Early Warning. Wireless Emergency Services (WEA) is a nation-wide system providing lifesaving information for the State of California sent by state and local public officials. Register for these free services at Cal OES Alerts . Visit our Resources page for more!