Alameda County Launches El Nino Website

Information shared by Alameda County:

The Alameda County Public Works Agency has launched a “Prepare For El Niño” website.

This new website provides information on what residents can do to prepare their families and their homes for anticipated El Niño winter storms, including checklists for creating personal emergency plans and emergency kits. The website also features practical safety tips for dealing with storm-related impacts, educational and informational videos, and sandbag locations for residents of unincorporated Alameda County.

During major storm events, the website will be updated with any information of flooding, road closures, or other storm-related issues in unincorporated Alameda County. Anyone interested in receiving email alerts advising of the same information can sign up through the website, too.

“The prediction of possible heavy storms this coming winter presents us with a great opportunity to remind our residents of the steps they can take to protect their safety and their property before wet weather hits,’’ said Scott Haggerty, President of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors.

Added Susan S. Muranishi, Alameda County Administrator: “Our Public Works Agency and public safety departments already are working together to prepare for the possibility of substantial storms headed our way. We want people to know Alameda County is planning ahead to protect public safety and we want to remind our residents that there is much they can do to assist in this effort.’’

This website is the most recent proactive effort by the Alameda County Public Works Agency to prepare for anticipated El Niño winter storms. For many months, Public Works Agency crews have been checking storm drains, flood control channels and other drainage areas to ensure that they are clean and functional.

Also, on November 4, 2015, the Public Works Agency hosted an El Niño workshop which brought together representatives from Alameda County Sheriff’s Department, multiple fire departments within Alameda County, local city public works agencies, emergency response managers and local community and business organizations.

“Preparing for the El Niño winter season requires planning, practical preparation, and coordination and collaboration between multiple agencies and jurisdictions,” said Daniel Woldesenbet, Alameda County Public Works Agency Director. “This website is another step towards partnering with individuals so they are able to effectively prepare for a wet winter this year.”

--Image via Patch Archive