SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — California emergency responders are preparing for the possibility of a wetter winter fueled by El Niño, warning residents to take precautions now for potential heavy rain, flooding, mudslides and power outages.
On Tuesday, PG&E brought together emergency management officials, CAL FIRE and the American Red Cross in San Jose to discuss preparations and response plans for potentially severe winter weather.
Officials say El Niño could bring prolonged periods of rainfall, creating challenges for communities across California, including Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
"The challenge for us with El Niño is the timeline of this is extreme. It's going to be months on end, and we don't know when the storms will hit or where exactly they'll hit," said John Ruiz with the American Red Cross.
Emergency responders are particularly concerned about the cumulative effects of rainfall, which can saturate the ground and increase the risk of falling trees, damaged power lines and other hazards.
"If El Niño brings that heavier rain, it's not just a single storm. That is the only thing to think about," said Marcus Hernandez with CAL FIRE. "It's those cumulative rainfalls as rain builds up in the ground. Even a moderate wind can blow over a tree and take out power lines."
Officials say preparation should begin before the first major storm arrives.
Residents are encouraged to:
Assemble an emergency supply kit with food, water, medications and essential supplies. Keep important documents accessible and protected. Identify evacuation routes and establish a family emergency plan. Prepare for potential power outages. Monitor weather forecasts and sign up for local emergency alerts.Hernandez also emphasized the importance of having backup plans in place, noting that emergency responders must continue handling everyday emergencies even during severe weather events.
"We've got to think about the plans and the contingency plans when it goes to go into those emergencies," Hernandez said. "Because when El Niño comes, the normal emergencies don't stop. So we've got to be ready."
While El Niño does not guarantee a severe winter, emergency officials say taking steps now can help residents and communities better respond if significant storms develop.
California Emergency Officials Urge Residents to Prepare for Potential El Niño Winter News Channel 3-12.
Hence then, the article about california emergency officials urge residents to prepare for potential el nino winter was published today ( ) and is available on News channel ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( California Emergency Officials Urge Residents to Prepare for Potential El Niño Winter )
Also on site :
- DistroKid and Kobalt Partner on New Publishing Service for DIY Talent
- In 2009, Linda Ronstadt Played Her Last Concert Without Telling the Audience It Was the Last; Four Years Later, She Revealed a Rare Brain Disease Had Already Stolen Her Voice
- ‘M*A*S*H’ Creators Turned to Real Veterans and Went to the IRL Counterpart of the 4077th Just to Get the Stories Right