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Preparing for the Rain |
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The Orange County Fire Authority has taken several steps to help prepare for the heavy rains and flooding that have been predicted for this winter. Most of OCFA's 62 fire stations have received an extra supply of sand bags and some of the stations have sand. To find out what station is closest to you, how many sand bags they have and where you can obtain sand, please call (714) 573-6200. The OCFA would also like to remind Orange County residents that it has a variety of specialized equipment strategically located throughout the County, specifically designed to respond to any problems created by heavy rain and flooding. Included are its five Swift Water Rescue Teams located in Irvine, Mission Viejo, Buena Park, Placentia and Seal Beach. These highly-technical and specially-trained firefighters have been trained to perform a variety of rescues and are only minutes away in the event of an emergency. OCFA's helicopter is also available to assist in any type of emergency created by flooding. Helicopter 41 can be on scene in a matter of minutes and can reach people who are not accessible via land routes. It is important to realize, however, that Orange County residents must take it upon themselves to be prepared and to take precautions when flooding does come. Children should not be allowed to play near rapidly flowing water and residents should only leave their homes during flooding only if necessary. "In California, we deal with three major kinds of disasters--fires, earthquakes and floods," said OCFA Public Information Officer Scott Brown. "In all three cases preparedness is the key to survival." See the Flood Safety and Storm Safety information or call the OCFA Community Relations and Education at (714) 573-6200. |