Preparing for Winter Rains (& Other Natural Disasters), By Zach Friend

from Aptos Times: December 1, 2022

A Year of Many Accomplishments for Our Customers & Community, By

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Preparing for Winter Rains (& Other Natural Disasters)

By Zach Friend, Supervisor, Second District

Even though we have been in a period of extended drought, recent rains are a reminder that we are in the beginning of our typical wet season. It’s always good to do some advance preparations for your home or business and here are some of the ways you can be sure your home or business is prepared for an emergency situation.

A few years ago our County experienced signifiant storm damage -- damage we are still working to repair. If we have a similar winter, we can expect additional flooding, mudslides, road damage, downed trees and power outages. As we saw, this means that some neighborhoods might have limited access or even be cut off from access for a period of time.

What can you do to prepare and what is the County doing ahead of this season to get ready?

In advance of the season, Public Works will be cleaning culverts, mowing and clearing brush in an attempt to reduce flooding potential. They are encouraging the community to call them at 454-2160 if you know of any culverts that need inspection or repair or brush that needs to be cleared. Residents can also download the free County mobile app My Santa Cruz County via the County’s website at sccappstore.co.santa-cruz.ca.us to report non-emergency issues. Additionally, Public Works is also asking that residents rake (if it’s safe) and clean storm drains to help prevent flooding. This simple task can significantly improve drainage. Road hazards can always be reported via the 24-hour Public Works dispatch number at 477-3999 (option 1). If it’s an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1.

You can visit the County’s winter prep resource page: www.santacruzcounty.us/ elnino — while it was originally created for a previous El Nino season it has been updated and provides a wealth of information on what to do before, during and after a storm. It provides checklists on what to have on hand at your home, contact numbers and more.

If you believe that a tree has the potential to impact a power line, PG&E has arborists that will inspect trees and perform maintenance if needed. You can call them at 1-800-743-5000. Residents can also sign up for mobile alerts regarding power outages directly from their website.

Central Fire has a host of resources on their website with tips on how to prepare for winter rains. If you visit their website at www.centralfiresc.org and click on the Education and Preparedness tab you will find links on where to obtain sandbags, information for storm prep and also classes and educational opportunities for general disaster preparedness.

Our local 911 center suggests residents sign up for mobile alerts (called Code Red) from their website www.scr911. org. These alerts will be used for evacuations, boil-water notices and other critical information.

What other things can you do to prepare your home or business?

According to FEMA and the Red Cross, here are some tips: • Build an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, radio, and baby items and medicines (if needed) to last a few days. • Keep your pets indoors if possible during heavy rain events. • Have a plan that your family is familiar with — in case you are unable to get

Photo Credit: David Sims

Another angle of the 2014 flood’s effect on Aptos Beach Dr.

home due to road hazards or need to shelter in place for multiple days ensure that your family knows how to communicate and possibly a back up location for meeting or lodging. This would be relevant during major storm events or earthquakes or other natural disasters. • In advance of rains, clear drains, rain gutters and downspouts of debris. • If you have drainage issues around your home consider having them inspected and addressed and inspect your roof for leaks. • Get flood insurance. If you already have it, check your policy to make sure you have enough coverage. • Make copies of all your important documents and make sure the originals are stored safely somewhere outside of your home. • Take photos of your possessions (furniture, collectibles, electronics) in case you need them for an insurance claim. • Learn how to shut off gas valves, bolt and brace water heaters, install strong latches on cabinets and don’t hang heavy items (like a picture or mirror) near beds or couches where people sleep or sit. • Check at your workplace and your children’s schools to learn about their emergency plans for an earthquake or other natural disaster. n ••• As always, I appreciate any feedback you may have on this (or any other County issue). I’m maintaining regular updates on social media at www.facebook.com/supervisorfriend and you can always call me at 454-2200.

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Rabbits and Guinea Pigs … Oh My!

This week the Pet of the Week for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter are all of our bunnies and guinea pigs!

We are having severe overcrowding of bunnies and guinea pigs at the Shelter and need to find foster homes and adoptive homes to help make space. We have 7 adoptable rabbits and 12 guinea pigs. Sometimes “pocket pets” like bunnies and guinea pigs are said to be a starter pet but these animals do need care just like any other pet. Both need fresh hay, special food, produce snacks and lots of cuddles.

When rabbits are happy they do a little jump in the air called a “binky”- this is like a purr for bunnies. Guinea pigs love to squeak when they here the rustling of plastic since they expect snacks to come their way. Both species can be very human social and be tolerant of other animals in the home. Rabbits can also be litterbox Photos (C) Maurice Q. Liang trained which makes clean up easier. If you are an experienced rabbit or guinea pig owner, or willing to put in the work to learn about and raise these special creatures, please visit us at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter today and see all of our tiny furry pals!

Now through the end of December SCCAS is having a “Home for the Holidays Adoption Special” where all Shelter pets will be available for a “Pay it Forward” adoption donation of the adopters’ choice.

The suggested donation is between $50-$200 and adopters can select a fund for their donations to go to: Planned Pethood Fund (low cost/free spay/neuter) or Extra Mile Fund (specialty lifesaving procedures for homeless animals).

The adoption fee includes spay/neuter, microchip (including registration), age-appropriate vaccinations, routine treatment for worms/fleas, and a free pet wellness exam with a local participating veterinarian. If you are looking for a furry friend for the holidays, come to the Shelter and meet your new best cuddle buddy!

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals on our website and then visit the Shelter to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal. Call 831454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s full-service, open-admission shelter:

Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Watsonville Location: CURRENTLY CLOSED 580 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA 95076 SCCAS Main line: 831-454-7200. Animal Control: 831-454-7227. After-Hours Emergency: 831-471-1182 • After Hours: jillian.ganley@santacruzcounty.us