San Jose Fire Dept Flood Preparation Tips

FLOOD PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS TIPS:

* Ensure that all drains, gutters and downspouts are functioning properly. This is especially important for flat-roofed buildings.
* Keep ground-level drains and drainage areas (ditches, swales, small channels) free of debris.
* Move valuable or easily damaged items away from low-lying areas that may be prone to flooding.
* Identify and collect important documents that you may require in case of evacuation.
* Contact your insurance agent to assure that your flood and storm coverage is adequate and in effect.
* Review your Family Emergency Plan and prepare an Emergency Supply Kit that includes food, water, medications, flashlight, battery-powered radio, rain gear and first aid supplies.
* Plan for the needs of pets at home and if you are evacuated.
* Keep your vehicle fueled in case power is cutoff to local fueling stations.
* Identify the safe routes from your home or workplace to high ground.
* Establish out-of-state family contacts so that friends and relatives can determine your location and status.
* If necessary, consult an engineer or licensed contractor to design or build permanent water and debris control systems for your property.
* Landscape slope areas with plants that are fire retardant and suitable for erosion control.
* Keep sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber, hand tools and other materials handy for addressing storm water issues.

WHAT IF YOU NEED SANDBAGS?

In an effort to assist San Jose residents with extreme storm needs and To find your neighborhood source of sand and sandbags. Follow the Santa Clara Valley Water District for san bag locations. http://www.valleywater.org/services/sandbagsites.aspx


TIPS FOR PERSONAL SAFETY DURING A FLOOD:

* Avoid the urge to sightsee. Remind all household members not to play or linger near flood control channels and storm drains.
* Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number-one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
* Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in their car than anywhere else. Do not drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
* Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number-two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical currents can travel through water.


WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FALL IN MOVING WATER?

* Avoid getting into this dangerous situation.
* Remain calm. Don't waste energy yelling for help after someone has spotted you.
* Get ready to be rescued.
* Try to float on your back with your legs straight and your feet pointed downstream.
* Use your legs to shove yourself away from obstructions.
* Keep your head up so that you can see where you are going.
* Watch for obstacles and debris! If a tree or other stationary object is blocking the channel, forcing water over it, try to flip over on your stomach and approach the obstacle head-on, crawling over the top of it.
* Most victims in swift water die when they get pinned against obstacles, or get trapped in submerged debris and vegetation.


Be Safe and Be Smart

Captain Scott Kouns
San Jose Fire Department Public Information Officer
408-277-8784
sjfdpio@sanjoseca.gov