Storm Preparation for Santa Cruz County

Why Preparation in Important

In Santa Cruz County, storms often have significant impacts on our road system, utilities, property and livelihoods. Simple storm preparedness steps can help mitigate some of the impacts on residents. Below, you will find helpful information on what to do before, during and after a storm to help you and your family stay safe.

Disaster preparedness is important. Take time to come up with a plan and educate your family and colleagues about the steps needed during a disaster. While the county has a reverse emergency alert system for landlines, cell phone owners should also register their numbers in order to receive emergency notifications. Smart phone users can also download the Code Red app to stay informed during local emergencies.

Before

Make a plan today. Share your plan with family, friends and neighbors. Practice your plan.

• How to prepare your home, school and workplace, and how to prepare for floods, fires, landslides and more

• What are the important things to know in preparing for a disaster?

• Preparing your property for winter storms

• Schedule a free, on-site property erosion and drainage assessment with the Resource Conservation District

• Pacific, Gas & Electric tips for preparing a disaster plan

• Preparing a Disaster Supply Kit

• Preparing a Family Disaster Plan

• Tips for pet/livestock owners

• A guide to protecting your property from stormwater runoff

• A guide to maintaining private roads

During

In case of emergency, call 911. If you’re not sure it’s an emergency, call 911 – dispatchers can direct you to the right place. Protect yourself and your family by reducing risks, such as refraining from removing fallen trees entangled with wires. Stay aware by listening to local news alerts. Be patient during road closures and other inconveniences. Stay safe.

• Distribution locations for sandbags. Limit of 15 and no contractors, please

• The County has an emergency survival guide.

• Floods can cause fires: know how to shut off gas and electricity if you’re evacuating:

• Transportation is often impacted during heavy rains in Santa Cruz County. Stay up to date on the latest road closures

• The County also has a Community Emergency Response Team.

• Tips for talking to Children about Disasters

After

After a disaster is a time for recovery, which can include finding food and shelter, caring for pets and seeking out emotional support. A good place to start is the Santa Cruz County 211 line, which is open 24/7 and has services available in 170 languages. They are trained to help residents find the assistance they need and connect them with community resources.

In large disasters, agencies from the state of California to FEMA to the Small Business Administration may offer assistance. The county will work to make those resources available to the public when available.

• More information on post-disaster assistance