Are you prepared for emergencies including floods?
Despite a long-winded drought, California, along with every state in the country, is at risk of flooding. Are you prepared?
As part of an ongoing effort to educate residents in emergency preparedness, the City of Mission Viejo is offering detailed information through the Emergency Survival Program (ESP). This guide features monthly topics, historical information and what you can do now to prepare. April’s focus is on flooding.
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. They can cause deaths, injuries, significant property damage and contaminate drinking water and disrupt electrical service. These effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or regional, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. All floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. Flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain.
Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Be cautious when near or crossing streams, rivers, flood control channels and flooded intersections.
You can learn more about preparing for floods and other natural as well as manmade emergencies and disasters by taking the City’s Community Emergency Preparedness Academy (CEPA) that begins on April 18.
CEPA is a collaborative effort between the City of Mission Viejo, Orange County Fire Authority, Sheriff’s Department and other emergency response agencies. The program takes place Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through May 9.
The award-winning Mission Viejo academy is uniquely organized through the Neighborhood Watch Program and designed to prepare neighbors to work together before, during and after disasters to lessen injuries and help with recovery.
To register, contact cepa@cityofmissionviejo.org or 949-470-8433. For more in-depth information on this month’s topic and other preparedness information, visit the City’s emergency preparedness page.
