Contact: Fire Captain
Fernando Herrera
(951) 940-6985
Release Date: January 16, 2010
CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department Prepares For Storms
CAL FIRE/Riverside County firefighters are preparing for a series of severe strong Pacific storms that will bring heavy rainfall to Riverside County beginning Sunday evening and continuing over the next 8-10 days. Part of our preparation is providing information to our residents and visitors so that they are equally prepared for these storms that are predicted to produce several inches of rain, snow and potential flooding throughout the County.
In addition to our day-to-day preparedness and staffing, beginning Monday morning, January 18th at 08:00 a.m., CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire will implement the following in preparation for the upcoming winter storms:
• Swift-water rescue teams will be pre-positioned throughout the County to respond to water rescue incidents. Swift-water rescue teams are highly trained to conduct rescues of those trapped in still or moving water.
• Additional CAL FIRE fire crews that will respond to flooding and sandbag operation incidents where imminent flooding is occurring. Fire Crews, which typically consist of 16 members, are essential in sandbag operations due to of the amount of personnel they provide.
• CAL FIRE Helicopter 301 will be covered at Ryan Air Attack Base in Hemet with the hoist and air rescue crew.
• Three bulldozers to respond to flooding incidents.
• In the event of imminent flooding, unfilled sandbags may be available in limited quantities from your local fire station. To locate your fire station, visit our website at www.rvcfire.org. Fire stations do not stock filled sandbags. Larger quantities of sandbags and sand can be purchased at your local home improvement stores.
Residents, especially those in and below burned areas, should prepare their homes before flooding occurs.
CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department Chief John R. Hawkins wants to remind residents that personal safety should always be top priority. Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle-related. Do not drive through flooded areas! If you come across a flooded area while driving, stop, turn the car around and find an alternate route that is safe. Road closure signs and barricades posted and enforced for your safety and that of emergency responders.
Significant weather-related incidents will be posted and updated on our website. We ask that you monitor your local weather for severe weather alerts as well as flooding advisories and warnings. Updated information on Interstate and County road traffic delays/road closures can be monitored by visiting the California Highway Patrol website at www.chp.gov under “traffic information”.
For more information on flood preparation and flood safety, visit www.rvcfire.org or www.floodcontrol.co.riverside.ca.us.
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