Be Prepared for a Flood

With the forecast of wet weather for the next few days, here are some tips and resources to help you and your family prepare and stay safe.

Prepare: Maintain drainage channels and pipes on your property free of obstruction and debris. Keep an emergency supply with non-perishable food, water, manual can-opener, batteries, flashlights, battery-operated radio and a first-aid kit. Develop evacuation plans for your family.

Protect: If your property is in danger of flooding; sandbag areas where water may enter living spaces.

Sandbags: Sandbags will be available at Fire station #1 located at 115 Second Street and at Home Depot. Come prepared to fill your own bags. Filling, stacking & placing sandbags.

If your property is in danger of flooding, contact PG&E to request that your power and natural gas be shut off. The City of Watsonville Emergency Operations will order evacuations if needed so listen to local commercial radio, television or social media. Seek shelter in the highest areas possible, avoid low-lying areas.

Pay Attention: After a flood, listen to the radio or check social media for emergency instructions. For your safety,avoid driving if possible and follow established procedures for property damage repairs. If repairs are needed, select a contractor who is licensed in his trade and is prepared to deal with post flood conditions.

Emergency Information Phone Numbers:

• Emergency: 911
• Watsonville Emergency Operations: 768-3038 (only if activated)
• Santa Cruz County Emergency Services: 458-7150 (only if activated)
• American Red Cross: 462-2881
• Public Works – Customer Service: 768-3133
• Santa Cruz County Information Service: 211

NIXLE: Sign up for NIXLE messages for critical emergencies: www.nixle.com register your email address or text your zip code 95076 to 888777 to register your phone.

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