With the increase in atmospheric rivers and higher rainfall rates in the Santa Cruz Mountains, we've put together a list of disaster resources and emergency preparedness tips.
Regional storm impacts can include flooding, downed trees and slope failures, with road impacts and power outages likely. The San Lorenzo River will rise significantly and residents should anticipate flooding in the low-lying areas along the San Lorenzo River and tributaries.
County emergency management staff are staying in close contact with partner agencies including public safety agencies, the National Weather Service, Caltrans and PG&E. PG&E is locates additional resources within Santa Cruz County to help address downed wires and outages during large storms.
Please keep you and your family safe. The following resources are available during the upcoming storms:
Sign up for CodeRed emergency alerts: https://www.scr911.org/
Know your zone! Look up your evacuation zone at Genesys: https://protect.genasys.com/search
List of sandbag locations in unincorporated parts of the county:
Printable storm preparedness checklist: https://tinyurl.com/SantaCruzStormChecklist.
Monitor local power outages: https://www.pge.com/outages
View local road conditions: https://www.sccroadclosure.org
View State highway road conditions: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
Monitor developments through local agency social media accounts:
More information on weather and disaster preparedness:
During emergencies, remember to:
• Fuel up your vehicles and generator. Resupply fuel backups if needed.
• Check on your neighbors.
• Tune in to trusted news sources such as the San Lorenzo Valley Post, Santa Cruz Sentinel, KSBW, KION, or local agency social media channels.
• Make sure you have enough food and supplies for extended outages, including dry and canned goods.
• Plan for home heating without power.
• Charge your devices including cell phone, tablet, laptop and recharge any backup chargers.
• Avoid flooded roads, and never try to drive across a flooded road
• Make a family emergency/evacuation plan. https://www.ready.gov/plan.
• Report road closures or other issues at https://dpw.santacruzcounty.us/ReportProblem.aspx, or call (831) 477-3999.
• Do not attempt to drive over or otherwise disturb PG&E wires.
• Saturated soils mean slopes may fail. Be aware of your property and your environment.
• Secure outdoor items that may blow away in high winds including patio furniture
• Use sandbags to mitigate flooding on your property.