Heavy rains expected all week. High risk of flooding and power outage. Be prepared. parade of storms stretching across the Pacific, and coming down out of the Arctic, are taking cold wet aim at Northern California.
As much as five inches of rain could fall in the foothills. Snow is anticipated above 4,000. Some rain could be seen today but the really impressive stuff should show up Friday.
The forecasters say urban flooding is possible and as the string of storms stretch into next week it is possible some of the larger rivers, including the Sacramento, could begin to rise.
Motorists heading into the mountains are being encouraged to carry chains.
- Tank up your car – make sure your wipers are in good order.
- Have plenty of block ice in the freezer to keep food cold in event of prolonged power loss. You can use milk cartons or plastic bowls to form ice blocks.
- Buy some long burning candles. (Use them safely to avoid home fires)
- Have at least one flashlight with extra batteries.
- Have at least one bucket.
- You will need one box of kitchen matches.
- Do you have at least a 7 day supply of your essential medication?
- Keep sandwich items or other short term storable foods on hand. If you have a grill, you can still cook a lot of things without power.
- Have something to amuse yourself, book, battery operated radio, etc.
- Keep your cell phone fully charged.
- Be sure home generators are properly vented to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and. before using ALWAYS shut off your main breaker switch to prevent dangerous feedback into external power lines that could electrocute emergency PG&E workers.
- Kerosene heaters are deadly when used indoors, ventilate!
- Rural areas: Make sure you have plenty of clean drinking water on hand. If you are on an electrical water pump, have at least 20 gallons for flushing toilets.
- Do not attempt to cross swollen streams where bottom is unknown – local stream levels can change rapidly in heavy rain. Fast moving water can easily sweep vehicles away.
- Have a plan where to meet if separated from friends or family members.
Read more: How to Prepare for a Severe Storm (non-hurricane) | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4680889_prepare-severe-storm-nonhurricane.html#ixzz18OKBDjHo