According to the Los Angeles Times, the first winter storm is expected to arrive in Southern California this week. This is just one of the many winter storms that people experience in California. Winter storms usually bring heavy rains that cause flooding. It is important to be prepared for the disaster. I will share some information on how to prepare for winter storms

Before the Winter Storm

Check if Your Home is Winter Storm Ready

You can prepare your homes by cleaning the storm drains, removing falling leaves and checking if your homes are safe from water damage. Prepare the necessary tools and equipment that you can use in case of disaster. Boots, raincoats, shovels, and sandbags are some of the things that you need to prepare in case of projected flooding. 

Check if your home is located in a hazard-prone area

You can use MyHazard tool. MyHazards is a tool for the general public to discover hazards in their area (earthquake, flood, fire, and tsunami) and learn steps to reduce personal risk. To use the MyHazards tool, users may enter an address, city, zip code, or may select a location from a map.

Devise a Plan

Your plan depends on the hazard that you are experiencing. It is also important that everybody in your family knows about the plan. It is important to know what to do when there is a flood, power outage or when you need to evacuate. Here are some things you need to remember before making a plan:

• Safe exits from home and neighborhood. 
• Where to meet each other in case you get separated. 
• Who will pick the children in case of unavailability
• Who to contact in case of emergency.
• Places to stay
• Where the pets can stay 
• Risks in your area
• Where the equipment such as fire extinguishers, floor drain, and water valve are located.

Ready Your Emergency Kit Supplies

Prepare all the items in one bag so that it would be easy to carry. It is advisable that each member of the family prepare one emergency kit. Here are the things that you can add to your emergency kit:

• Water
• Non-perishable food such as canned goods, energy bars, and dried food. 
• Light clothes
• First aid kit
• Important family documents
• Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight and extra battery
• Wind-up or battery-powered radio to know what’s going on
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket
• cellphone

Be Aware 

Be alert and prepared on power outages, local flooding, and evacuations. Monitor that situation of the rivers near your area. 

During the Winter Storm

It is necessary to maintain awareness of the situation. Watch out for any potential dangers and be ready to take necessary actions as needed. Monitor the rivers near your location and 

It is better to stay inside the house to keep yourself safe. During an emergency situation, call 9-1-1 or call 2-1-1 for disaster emergency situation. 

After the Winter Storm

Report the Damage to the Authority. 

Damages to roads, homes, and businesses should be reported to local authorities for them to take necessary actions regarding the issues. 

Register your Safety on the Safe and Well Website

Let people know that you are safe. It will make people who worry about you feel comforted. 

Continue to Listen to Local News

It will help you stay informed about the situation and the necessary things that you need to do. 

Start the Cleanup Process

When everything is okay, the next move should be to start the cleanup process to return everything to its normal state. 

Repair and Recover

Winter storms sometimes cause destruction to our property. When it does, it is crucial to repair the damage. A trusted water damage restoration company is the best to call to help you fix the damage. They will also help you in your insurance claim if the damage is covered by the insurance. If you experience water damage in Irvine, Superior Restoration is the best to call. They provide excellent services and make sure that your properties will be restored to its pre-state condition or even better.