SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – With up to 4 inches of rain expected in the San Francisco Bay Area through Monday, there are several steps you can take to prepare for the rainy onslaught.
Water can accumulate quickly, especially during atmospheric flow Sunday through Monday. Here are some tips:
- Clean the gutters of your home to prevent water from pooling on your roof
- Test your sump pump to make sure it is working properly
- Rake the fallen leaves in your yard, but not in your street, where they can clog up gullies
- Check the rain drains on your street and remove any debris that could be blocking the grates
- Watch out for low-altitude spots that could be flooded
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through high water. Remember, you can only knock over 6 inches of moving water and a foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
- Keep emergency items such as first aid kits, flashlights, and portable radios in a safe, high place.
- Keep drinking water in closed, clean containers in case the water supply is interrupted. Allow one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
- Check where to buy or pick up free sandbags in your area
- Be extremely careful with fallen trees and slow down if there is debris on the road
- Remove hazardous materials (paint / chemicals etc) from flood prone areas such as garages and sheds
- Treat all non-functioning traffic lights at intersections as stop signs
- Avoid all dropped power lines and objects from touching them. Report down lines to your local authorities
- Be careful around trees, especially when there is wind. They are drought-stressed and no longer as robust as they used to be
