Preparing for Storms

   A coalition of Sacramento neighborhoods developed this helpful resource guide. The River Park Garden Club, specifically two former presidents of the club, Lee Ruth and Erik Fay, suggested it might be best distributed by the RPNA. River Park specifics were added by various residents.

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   Being a neighborhood with many old, large trees, and living close to a river, when high winds and an overload of rain come our way, River Park residents should prepare in special ways. Among them in the case of loss of electric service, are the usual supply of drinking water and non-refrigerated food, a working battery operated lantern or flashlight, and warm clothing and blankets. An inexpensive rain cape with a hood can be good protection.

   Having a life preserver handy, along with an emergency flashing button that can be worn on a jacket or shirt should be on hand -- such items are available at sporting goods stores and drug stores.

   An evacuation plan devised with family members, neighbors, friends and pets in mind, will be essential in an emergency. Name a place to meet such as a spot in our shopping center, the railroad levee or the church. Keep cell phones charged up. A wind-up radio is also a good source of information. Keep apprised of weather and river conditions. Heed warnings of city, county and state officials.

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General suggestions:
   While it is not raining, prepare for the possibility of storms ahead. See the included pictures for the details - one with the hour-by-hour forecast for wind and rain around Executive Airport by the Nat'l Weather Service and the other photo contains three locations offering free sandbags.

1. If you are in a low-lying area with a history of flooding, get sandbags during a calm time. There are three nearby locations with free sandbags.

2.  If you are in a low-lying area with a history of flooding, pack a to-go bag and be ready to leave if necessary.

3.  Be ready for power-outages. Charge all devices and battery packs, keep candles and matches available, have ice chests and ice ready in case you need to empty your refrigerator, and keep your car filled with gas or charged up.

4. Sometimes during floods, Sacramento Public Work's water delivery system struggles. If you have a bathtub, fill it with water before a storm arrives, in case you need it for washing hands and flushing toilets (not for drinking). If you don't have a bathtub, fill buckets or plastic jugs with water. Fill cleaned jugs and bottles with water for drinking.