Where are flood risks in Stanislaus County and how can I prepare? Follow these tips
Although the Modesto area has yet to see any rainfall this season, the California Department of Water Resources is observing Flood Preparedness Week.
Local agencies across the state will provide information on California’s flood risks and how to stay prepared, according to the department’s website.
Where is the flood risk in Stanislaus County? What can residents do to prepare?
Here’s what you should know before the rainy season arrives:
Where is the flood risk in Stanislaus County?
About 30,000 Stanislaus County residents, or 5.4% of the county’s population, live in moderate risk areas for flooding, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
An additional 10,000 live in high-risk areas.
Flood-prone areas include neighborhoods near the San Joaquin River, Dry Creek and parts of west and south Modesto.
To see if you live in a flood-risk area, you can type in your address into FEMA’s flood map service center.
How can I prepare for a flood in Stanislaus County?
According to the California Department of Water Resources, you can prepare for flooding by following these three steps:
- Be aware: Check to see if your home is in a flood zone and stay updated on weather alerts.
- Be prepared: Have a flood evacuation plan ready with a prepared emergency evacuation kit and copies of your important documents.
- Take action: Evacuate when you are advised to.
Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage, so the department recommends purchasing flood insurance.
To prepare for flooding, ask local officials if your property is in a flood-prone area and learn about flood warning signals and evacuation routes, according to the Stanislaus County Office of Emergency Services.
Purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio for alerts, and plan evacuation procedures with your household, the department said.
Be ready to survive for three days with an emergency supply kit, which should include:
- A supply of water.
- Non-perishable food and a manual can opener.
- A change of clothes, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
- A first aid kit and prescription medications.
- Extra glasses, if needed.
- A battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
- Credit cards and cash.
- An extra set of car keys.
- A list of family physicians and key contacts.
- Special items for infants, the elderly, or disabled family members.
You can also prepare by storing important documents in a safe location, knowing how to shut off utilities and protecting your property by elevating key utilities, installing check valves and sealing basements.
