Weekly Roundup for January 6, 2023

Flood Watch in Effect Through Tuesday, January 10

Please be prepared for multiple rounds of rain over the next few days. A Flood Watch begins for the North Bay Saturday morning, expanding area-wide Saturday afternoon, and lasting through Tuesday.

The amount of rain expected is 2-3” in the valleys, 3-6” in the hills and up to 8-10” at the coast. Potential impacts include widespread flooding, multiple mud and landslides, impassable roads and rapid rises in rivers and creeks. In addition to flooding, expect gusty winds, downed trees, and power outages.

The evacuation warning for all residents living near the Russian River floodway and its tributaries from Healdsburg to Jenner is still in effect.

County emergency officials are advising the following steps to protect yourself, your family and neighbors, and your property during these storms:

• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• Stay away from the edge of rivers and creeks.
• Do not try to cross flooded roadways or creeks.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• If your vehicle is trapped in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If water is rising inside the vehicle, seek refuge on the roof.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter in place, and flood response.
• Make sure your Go Bag is ready in case you must leave immediately.
• Evacuate if told to do so.
• Keep in mind medication needs. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
• Locate backup batteries and charging devices for phones, radios and other emergency equipment.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container.
• If flooding occurs on your property, move to higher ground. If trapped in a building, go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. Go on the roof only if necessary.

For information on flood safety, evacuation zones, shelters, sandbag locations, road closures and more, visit: https://socoemergency.org/emergency/flooding/

Sonoma County’s emergency shelter is open and provides a safe place for all.

WHERE: E.C. Kraft Building at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. Check in with security at Gate 2, located at 1350 Bennett Valley Road.

WHAT: Cots and comfort kits will be supplied by the American Red Cross of the North Bay, and mental health services will be available from the Sonoma County Department of Health Services.

WHO: Displaced residents seeking shelter and pets are welcome, 24/7.

WHY: Emergencies can turn our lives upside down. After being evacuated from your home, you may find that you need a place to figure out what to do.

DETAILS: Emergency shelters are FREE and SAFE for everyone. Furthermore, they are more than a place to eat and sleep. Shelter staff can help you connect with resources to recover from the emergency.

While staying at Sonoma County operated shelters, you can expect:

DIGNITY: Everyone will be treated with dignity. We will respond to all special needs of those staying in the shelters and will offer services according to needs as they are available.

PRIVACY: In the shelters, we will ask you to share some personal data to receive services. However, your information will be protected from agencies like ICE. All individuals will be welcome regardless of immigration status.

HEALTH PROTECTION: COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place at shelters, including health screening, social distancing, and masking.

COMMUNICATIONS: All information related to the emergency will be available in English and in Spanish in different formats. English- and Spanish-speaking staff will be available at shelters to aid in your preferred language.

FOOD AND REST: You will have access to multiple, healthy food options. This includes vegetarian and vegan meals. Each resident will have a place to sleep and a comfort kit to cover basic needs.

OTHER RESOURCES: You will be connected to a wide network of community and government resources to help during your recovery.