Weather and Natural Emergencies

Cold & fog

The Sacramento Region cools down from November to February. Learn how to stay warm and drive safely through foggy weather.

• Learn how to prepare your vehicle for winter. Is Your Vehicle Ready to Travel? 
• Refer to Extreme Cold Prevention Guide from the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC). 
• Learn how to navigate Rain, Fog, & Snow conditions from the California Highway Patrol (CHP). 
• Refer to Emergency Shelter Information from 211 Sacramento. 
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - Winter Safety Tips 
• National Weather Service (NWS) - Cold Weather Safety 
• Refer to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on what you should know before, during and after Snowstorms & Extreme Cold.
• American Red Cross - Top Ten Red Cross Cold Weather Safety Tips

Heat

During the summer months, the Sacramento Valley heats up. Learn how to protect yourself and others by following these steps:

• Listen to local weather forecasts and be aware of upcoming temperature changes. 
• Review the National Weather Services (NWS) experimental HeatRisk forecast for the seven day heat risk potential in the Sacramento Region.
• Discuss heat safety precautions with family members. 
• Learn how to prepare for power outages from Sacramento Ready. 
• Take a first aid course to learn how to look for and treat heat-related emergencies. 
• Dress in lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing. 
• Use sunscreen and wear protective coverings, such as a hat. 
• Learn about extreme heat prevention, hot weather tips, and more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Lightning or thunderstorms

During a lightning or thunderstorm, take shelter. You may also want to consider the following tips:

• Stay away from windows and doors. Draw blinds and shades over windows to prevent glass from shattering, if possible. 
• Avoid contact with anything metal or electrical. Unplug appliances, if possible. 
• Avoid taking a bath or shower. 
• Bring pets indoors. 
• If outside, find shelter immediately. 
• Avoid flooded roads. 
• Listen to your battery powered radio for weather updates.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes can strike suddenly and without warning. Learn how to reduce property damage and injury with FEMA's Earthquake Safety at Home.

• Develop a disaster plan, prepare a disaster kit, and practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On. 
• Secure heavy furniture or items that can fall during an earthquake.
• Locate shut-off valves for water, electricity, and gas. 
• Make copies of vital records and stock critical supplies, such as water and medication. 
• Learn basic CPR. 
• Learn more about Earthquake Preparedness from the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). 
• Learn How to Prepare for an Earthquake from Ready.gov. 
• Take part in the Statewide "Great Shakeout Drill"

If you are outside, move away from buildings, street lights, utility wires, and overpasses. Once clear of these dangers, drop, cover, and stay where you are until the shaking stops.

If you are inside, get under a sturdy table or desk and stay where you are until the shaking stops. Try and stay as low to the ground as possible. Cover your head and neck with your arms if possible. Stay clear of glass, windows, and light fixtures. Don't go outside until the shaking stops. If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately.

If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly and safely as possible in a clear location. Make sure you are clear of buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Stay inside your vehicle, with your seat belt fastened until the shaking stops.

Gas

In some emergencies you may need to turn off your utilities. You should know where electric, gas, and water shut-off valves are located and have the necessary tools accessible.

If you turn off your gas, you should have a professional turn it back on. Find more information on how to locate and shut off gas to your household.

Electricity

• Learn how to remain safe when dealing with power lines and other electrical equipment from PG&E. 
• Learn about winter storm safety tips from SMUD. 
• To report outages or view current outages in your area, please visit SMUD Outage Map. 
• If power is out, try and keep refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible to maintain the temperature. If you believe your food is spoiled, throw it out.

Pandemic influenza

An influenza pandemic is a global outbreak of a new virus. This virus is able to infect people easily and spread quickly from person to person. To learn more about pandemic influenza visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

WAYS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GERMS:

• Get vaccinated, if possible. Wash your hands frequently and practice good hygiene. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve. 
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.