Emergency Preparedness / Public Safety

Heavy rain can cause pooling, runoffs, and flooding. These events may result in traffic obstructions, road closures, infrastructure damage, power outages, and evacuations.

Preparing for Heavy Rainfall

Here are some safety tips on how you can prepare for the upcoming storm:

• Limited quantities of unfilled sandbags are available at local fire stations.
• Ensure storm drains near your house are clear and free of debris.

Staying Safe During Heavy Rainfall

• Make sure the tires, headlights, tail lights and wiper blades on your vehicle are in good working condition.
• If possible, avoid the roads and stay safe at HOME. 
• If you must drive, drive slowly, safely and be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid downed power lines and immediately report them to dispatch at 951-776-1099.
• Turn around, don't drown! Don't risk driving through flooded areas.

California Standard Statewide Evacuation Terminology

Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access.

Evacuation Warning: Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.

Shelter in Place: Go indoors. Shut and lock doors and windows. Prepare to self-sustain until further notice and/or contacted by emergency personnel for additional direction.

Evacuation Order(s) Lifted: The formal announcement of lifting evacuations in an area currently under evacuation.

Hard Closure: Closed to all traffic except Fire and Law Enforcement.

Soft Closure: Closed to all traffic except Fire, Law Enforcement and critical Incident resources (i.e. Utility, Caltrans, City/County Roads etc. or those needed to repair or restore infrastructure).

Resident Only Closure: Soft closure with the additional allowance of residents and local government agencies assisting with response and recovery.

Unfortunately, active shooter situations can occur spontaneously, without warning, in crowded public spaces and workplaces. The Federal Department of Homeland Security has provided a tip sheet on how to preserve and to promote public safety during an active shooter situation (PDF).

The Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District has issued a fact sheet on the Zika virus (PDF).