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It doesn’t matter if you are at home or at work – winter storms can occur at any time. It is important to be aware of the weather and any alerts or warnings that the National Weather Service has issued.

Winter storms that occur in Martinez can cause flash floods, flooding, and mudslides. Following are some safety tips to help you be ready for the upcoming winter:

Before the Storm
Clear the drains around your home; including roof gutters, drain inlets, downspouts, pipes and drainage ditches.

Get furnaces and chimneys inspected once a year and cleaned or repaired if needed.

Rake up and bag leaves often and especially before storms. Leaves can clog the storm drains and cause water to back up which can cause local flooding.
Keep emergency supplies at work, at home and in your car, including:

First aid kit and essential medications.

Non perishable food:

• Ready to eat; canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Canned juices
• Staples (salt, pepper, etc.)
• High energy foods
• Any special food for family members (i.e. baby formula)
• Comfort foods

Cash (ATM’s might not be working)

Portable radio, flashlights and extra batteries. 

Drinking water for at least 5 days per person

Keep your car fueled.

Sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, lumber and other emergency building materials handy.

As the Storm Approaches

• Stay tuned to local news and radio broadcasts regarding the weather.
• Ensure that your home or business is secured against storm damage.
• Be aware of storm developments as reported in the local media.
• Have your address numbers clearly visible from the street.

During the Storm

• Cancel all non-essential appointments. Try to remain at home.
• Avoid areas that are subject to flooding, such as the downtown area.
• Do not try to cross flowing water. 
Do not try to drive down a flooded road.
• If your car stalls, abandon it, if you can safely do so, and seek higher ground.
• Do not sightsee in flooded areas or try to enter areas blocked off by authorities.
• Tune to local radio or television stations for emergency information. While in Martinez, tune in to AM 530.
• Move possessions higher in your residence or business.
• Be prepared to evacuate, and if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Emergency responders may be delayed due to numerous calls for service.

Emergency Notification
During a flood emergency stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for up to date information.
Watch/Warning Terminology
• A Flood Watch is issued whenever flooding is considered a possibility (but is not certain or imminent).
• A Flood Warning is issued to warn the public that flooding is occurring or is imminent.
• A Flash Flood Watch indicates that flash flooding is a possibility in or close to the watch area.
• A Flash Flood Warning signifies a dangerous situation where rapid flooding of small streams or urban areas is imminent or is occurring.
• An Urban and/or Small Stream Flood Advisory alerts the public to flooding which is generally only an inconvenience (not life threatening) to those living in affected areas.

National Weather Service www.weather.gov

Local AM and FM Radio Stations: Martinez local information 530 AM,

KCBS 740 AM, KGO 810AM, KQED 88.5 FM, 1610 AM

Flooding
From past experience we know that flooding is likely when:
• The ground is completely saturated (usually after 10-12 inches of rain has accumulated in the season) and a high percentage of the falling rain becomes runoff, and
• The lakes are full and are spilling water from spillways, and
• Two inches or more of rain falls in a 10–12 hour period.

During a Flood
• If you are indoors, listen to a battery-operated radio for news and evacuate immediately if told to do so.
• If you are outdoors, climb to high ground and stay there. Avoid walking through any floodwaters.
• If you are in a car, don’t drive through a flooded area and if your car stalls, abandon it immediately.

Signs of Land Movement
• Doors or windows that jam for the first time.
• New cracks that appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations.
• Outside walls, walks, or stairs that begin pulling away from the building.
• Slowly developing, widening cracks that appear on the ground or on paved areas.
• Bulging ground that appears at the base of a slope.
• Water that breaks through the ground surface in new locations.
• Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees that tilt or move.

If you notice any of these signs on your property, you may need professional assistance. Call 911 if you feel the situation is life threatening.