Stay safe during the storms

When it rains lately, it pours. The last few weeks, we've been drenched with heavy rain flooding streets, trails and yards, and high winds knocking over trees, patio umbrellas in 100-pound stands and fences. Since Dec. 26, our region has been barraged by heavy rain, flooding and strong winds from 20 to 45 miles per hour. On Dec. 27, south Placer creeks swelled as the area received more than an inch of rain in less than 24 hours. during a "pineapple express." The Weather Network calls "pineapple express" a potent band of tropical moisture associated with intense rainfall, mudslides and flooding. The National Weather Service issued flood watch alerts on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31. Many residents planning to go out on New Year's Eve decided instead to safely bring in the new year at home to avoid the torrential downpours and traveling on waterlogged streets. And flood watches and alerts from the National Weather Service continued last week and this week. "We anticipate that this may be one of the most challenging and impactful series of storms to touch down in California in the last five years," said Nancy Ward, the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services director during a Jan. 4 news conference. California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a statewide state of emergency on Jan. 4. That same day, Placer County's Emergency Operations Center was activated to help coordinate a countywide response. Placer County officials proclaimed a local emergency, due to the ongoing threat of powerful winter storms, on Jan. 5. "We are tremendously grateful to our roads crews and first responder partners for working around the clock throughout the storm to support our residents," said Placer County Director of Emergency Services and County Executive Officer Jane Christenson in a Jan. 5 press release, "and we thank our residents for doing their part to prepare for the impacts responsibly. This proclamation is an important step to make sure that we have access to all additional resources that Placer County may need to continue to protect lives and property." On Jan. 5, we endured our third atmospheric river since Dec. 26. And more storms were on the way. The National Weather Service Sacramento reported on Jan. 6: "Multiple winter storms will continue through next week. Widespread moderate-heavy rain returns this weekend, followed by a stronger storm Mon-Tues, bringing continued flooding concerns. Additional storms will be possible the rest of next week." These storms are hazardous and also deadly. As of Jan. 5, five people throughout Northern California from ages 2 to 72 died from storm consequences. With the ground saturated from recent rain, according to a city of Roseville storm update email on Jan. 6, the likelihood of localized power outages is higher than normal because of falling trees and tree limbs. City of Roseville tips in case of a power outage: * Prepare a simple emergency kit* Keep phones and other devices fully charged* Keep flashlights and batteries easily accessible* If a power line is down, stay away and immediately call 9-1-1. Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) lists safety tips on Placer County's Ready Placer Dashboard (placer.ca.gov/5852/Ready-Placer). The dashboard includes current road and weather conditions, winter and power outage preparedness tips, sandbag locations and more. PG&E's storm-safety tips:* Watch out for downed power lines. If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and stay away. Call 9-1-1 immediately to report its location and then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.* Stay away from flooded areas and downed trees during and after a storm. These areas could be hiding an energized power line.* During a power outage, unplug or turn off all appliances to help avoid overloading circuits when the power is restored. You could leave on a single lamp to alert you when the power returns. When the power is restored, you can turn your appliances on, one at a time.* Prepare for power outages. Keep a battery-operated flashlight and radio within easy reach, along with extra batteries. If you use a landline phone that requires electricity, keep a standard handset or mobile phone ready as a backup. Store water-filled plastic containers in your freezer and use them as blocks of ice to prevent food from spoiling.* Wax candles are not recommended. Use safer, battery-operated LED candles instead. Other recommendations worth repeating every year are to secure loose items outside before the wind picks up, avoid driving through flooded roadways, check road conditions before driving and bring pets inside. Please remain safe during these storms. If you don't have to drive anywhere, stay home until the heavy rain stops and roads are clear. The rains are only temporary.