Last week’s storm and subsequent flooding in the Antelope Valley—and with predictions of additional major storms next winter— prompted the city of Palmdale to provide the following tips and information on how to stay safe during severe weather. This vital information provided by the County of Los Angeles Emergency Services Guide could save your life and the lives of others in case of a weather emergency:
Before a flood:
1) Assess the safety of your house and belongings in case of a flood or mudslide. Are you near a creek? Do you live above or below a steep hillside? Do you have to drive over a creek or bridge to get to a main road?
2) Clean drains and gutters around the house in the fall before the winter rains come.
3) If diversion of water or mud is necessary, plan to fill sandbags well before the rain starts; sandbags are available at your local fire station. Take time now to find out what fire station serves your area and learn the proper placement of sandbags, which are also available at the Palmdale maintenance yard at 39110 3rd Street East across from Desert Sands Park.
4) If you live in a hilly area, maintain all slopes in a safe manner. Use appropriate plantings, slope coverage and drainage channels.
When it is raining
Plan to arrive at your location before it starts raining and remain there until well after the storm. Burned logs, boulders, mud and other debris can create temporary dams which can burst hours or even days after the rain has stopped. Be particularly alert when driving. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other hazards. Bridges may be washed out, and culverts over-topped. When you see water across a roadway, there is no way to see whether the road under the water has been washed away. The water may be much deeper and more powerful than you expect. Crossing the flood could cause your vehicle to stall, thereby leaving you stranded in rising water.
During a flood
1) Do not cross rapidly flowing streams. Stay on one side until the water recedes. Most streams will go down in a couple of hours, once it stops raining.
2) During a storm, check drainage systems at your home and driveways to maintain a safe situation and to limit damage.
3) Watch for mudslides and adjust drainage to reduce mudslides.
4) If you notice major mud slippage either above or below your house, move your family to a safe location. If you need emergency services, call 9-1-1.
After the flood
1) Do not return to your flood-damaged home before the area is declared to be safe by law enforcement and health officials.
2) Assess damage. Check hillsides, houses, etc. for slope movement, settling and water damage.
For more details about local emergency services, call (661) 947-8700 or (661) 945-5788.
