Storm Preparation Tips
PREPARATION TIPS ... Be Prepared, Be Informed, and Be Safe!
Before Storm
- Get LabAlert Emergency Broadcast Service on your cellphone.
- Back up all your critical information.
- Get things off the floor and protect your critical documents/equipment from possible water damage.
- Check critical equipment is connected to back up power.
- Do not store hazardous materials in areas that may be subject to flooding.
- Close all exterior windows and doors before leaving your lab/office space.
- Communicate your concerns. Report trouble areas to your building manager, your division safety coordinator, or the stormwater program manager (x5284 or 510-381-5584)
- Dust-off division telework policy (Management)
- Consider weather as a risk to research. Check latest weather forecast before starting up new experiment that is power or access dependent.
During Storm
- Be safe. Avoid slips and falls. Do not run. If necessary, walk at a brisk pace. Use handrails, establish firm footing, look before stepping, adjust for changing conditions, eyes ahead, and use designated walk paths.
- Be prepared and plan ahead — allow more time to travel to and from work/meetings. Have alternate routes and means to get to work.
- Report storm-related problem in a timely manner. Contact Work Request Center between 7:30am and 4pm [x6274]. For after-hours emergency service, call [x5481]. Provide as much information as possible, such as, what is the problem, where is the location, when did it happen, and who to contact.
- Stay connected and be informed regarding road closures and other storm related notifications.
After Storm
- Be careful walking around as steps, floors, and walkways may be slippery.
- Report non-emergency hazards (e.g., leaking roof, small landslide) immediately to x6999
- Do not enter a work area until it has been cleared by the Lab’s Damaged Assessment Team.
- Flooding in a lab space? Do not enter and report the problem immediately to Work Request Center.
- Do not turn on electricity if you smell gas or if parts of your work area’s electrical system have been flooded.
- Stay connected and be informed regarding road closures and other storm related notifications.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Federal:
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention – http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/landslides.asp
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – http://www.noaa.gov
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) – https://www.floodsmart.gov
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – http://www.fema.gov
- U.S. Forest Service – http://www.fs.fed.us
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – http://www.usgs.gov
- USGS Debris Flow Maps – http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/ofr-03-475/
California:
- Department of Conservation – http://www.conservation.ca.gov
Other Organizations:
- Alameda County Public Works Agency - https://www.acgov.org/pwa/info/elnino.htm
- Create an EMERGENCY PLAN for your family (ready.acgov.org or www.ready.gov)
- American Red Cross – http://www.redcross.org
- Geological Society of America – http://geology.com
- National Landslide Hazards Mitigation Strategy – http://pubs.usgs.gov