01/17/2019
Advisory: Folsom Community Members Urged to Prepare for Upcoming Storm
Dear Steve Heard,
In advance of expected heavy rain and high winds, the City of Folsom highly recommends that residents prepare for the upcoming storm, which weather reports predict could bring three inches of rain and wind gusts up to 55 mph. The Folsom Fire Department recommends motorists avoid driving during the worst part of the storm.
Prepare. Get a head start and prepare now. Below are some important storm preparation tips:
· Make an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, water, nonperishable food and other essentials in case of a power outage.
· The City of Folsom, in cooperation with the Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services, uses an alert system to notify residents of emergencies. To register or obtain additional information for that service, go to http://www.sacramento-alert.org/.
· Stay informed about Folsom storm information with Nixle emergency alerts and follow the City of Folsom on Facebook and Twitter.
· Get sandbags. If your home/business or surrounding area is prone to flooding, pick up sandbags from a free self-serve sandbag station located either behind City Hall at 50 Natoma Street, or adjacent to Fire Station 36 at 9700 Oak Avenue Parkway. Materials are provided, but bringing an extra shovel is suggested. Learn more at www.folsom.ca.us/sandbags.
· Put leaves and other yard waste in your green waste container before the storm.
· Park vehicles in areas not prone to flooding.
· Secure all loose lawn and patio furniture or other loose items in your yard when a storm is approaching.
· Have an emergency plan in place. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website www.ready.gov has valuable information on how you can prepare your family for an emergency.
Report storm-related hazards and concerns to the City of Folsom:
· Localized flooding, fallen trees or limbs, and plugged storm drain: 916-461-6722.
· Traffic signals or street lights out, and street signs down: 916-461-6720.
· After hours, contact the City of Folsom Police Department dispatch line: 916-355-7231.
· Submit reports through the online and mobile application SeeClickFix Folsom by downloading the app: http://en.seeclickfix.com/apps.
· Monitor creek and stream levels with Sacramento County’s rainfall and stream level information system at www.sacflood.org/home.php.
Be careful when driving if you must travel during the storm:
· Avoid driving during the worst part of the storm.
· NEVER drive your car through flooded roadways.
· Allow extra time to your destination.
· Slow down and keep extra space between you and the car ahead of you.
· Keep your headlights on.
· Brake gently to avoid hydroplaning.
· If conditions become too intense, pull far off the road in a safe place to wait out the storm.
· Be aware of water spray from passing vehicles.
· Do not use cruise control.
· Turn down the radio and avoid using your cell phone.
· Keep the radio low so you can be acutely aware of your surroundings.
Stay informed at www.folsom.ca.us and www.sacramentoready.org.
