Dealing with Storm Ophelia: Tips for Residents in Affected Areas

Although Storm Ophelia mainly affects North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, a band of precipitation affects New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Here we give you some tips to deal with this situation.

If you live in a basement apartment, you should be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

What to do before the flood?

It is advisable to have a backpack prepared, in case you need to leave your house in a hurry. This should have an easily accessible emergency kit full of supplies.

Consider adding evergreen foods; water or a portable filtration system; a change of clothes; a headlamp or flashlight with batteries; a phone charger; face masks; cash and a first aid kit.

If you have pets, don’t forget food, leashes, and portable bowls for them too.

Ready.gov It also advises creating “password-protected digital copies” of important papers, such as birth certificates, identification cards, insurance policies, wills, deeds and titles.

Always have a detailed list of your personal property, including furniture, clothing, and valuables.

Learn the safest route from your home or workplace to safe, high ground. This should be part of your home disaster plan.

If you live in an area susceptible to flooding, have materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and wood on hand to help protect your home.

Analyze your home carefully, if you think it is susceptible to flooding, as soon as a storm is announced, go to a safe place or shelter.

What to do during the flood?

Keep alert. If a storm is in the forecast, pay attention to local weather alerts on your phone, radio or TV.

Keep batteries on hand because, in the event of a power outage, a battery-operated radio can come in handy.

You should also have all your important documents ready in a waterproof bag (or a small metal box): driver’s licenses, credit cards, passport, birth certificate, residency or citizenship.

Make sure your phone is charged and, if you have time, unplug small devices so they don’t burn up.

What to do after floods?

If you are in danger, call 911.

Be careful of downed power lines and stay away from damaged areas.

Tune to local television and radio to hear announcements from officials.

Before re-entering a building, check for structural damage. Make sure it’s not in danger of collapsing. Turn off external gas lines at the meter or tank and let the air out of the building for several minutes to eliminate any odors or gas.

Watch for electrical shorts or live wires before turning off the main power switch. Do not turn on any lights or appliances until an electrician has checked the system for short circuits.

Throw away fresh foods and previously opened medications that have come into contact with flood waters.

New York City tap water is safe to drink, even in flooded areas, unless otherwise advised by city officials. If your water service has been interrupted, turn on the faucet for at least 30 seconds until the water runs cold and clear.

Take photos and videos of all damaged structures in your residence, as you will need them later when making insurance claims.

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1/17

In recent days there have been reports of fallen trees and power lines and the risk increases with strong winds.

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2/17

For example, this Saturday, an elderly woman was crushed to death by a large tree branch in Golden Gate Park, according to San Francisco police.

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3/17

PG&E spokesperson Mayra Tostado indicated that the highest number of reports have occurred in the south of the Bay, where there have been dozens of trees downed by strong winds.

Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images

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4/17

In some cases these have been trees that are inside properties, but that do not have prevention measures.

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5/17

SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 10: A tree service worker uses a chain saw to dismantle a fallen redwood tree which floated down the flooded San Lorenzo River during recent flooding on January 10, 2022 in Santa Cruz, California. The San Francisco Bay Area and much of Northern California continues to get drenched by powerful atmospheric river events that have brought high winds and flooding rains. The storms have toppled trees, flooded roads and cut power to tens of thousands. Storms are lined up over the Pacific Ocean and are expected to bring more rain and wind through the end of the week. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images

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6/17

That is why it is important to avoid having trees near windows of houses or apartments, or to avoid being in those areas when there is a storm.

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7/17

During a storm there may be an increased risk of injury if a tree falls on a home or vehicle.

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8/17

Mariano Elías, a lieutenant with the San Francisco Fire Department, said that if the roots fracture or damage the sidewalk, they should be carefully checked to make sure the tree does not become a risk to homes or people walking or park their vehicles in the area.

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9/17

Tostado added that it is important to take the necessary measures so that there are no risks during the downpour season.

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10/17

He added that when a motorist notices that a power line cable has fallen into their car, they should stay inside and call 911, as they could risk being electrocuted.

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11/17

To report the danger of a tree that is about to fall on a public road or downed power lines, you must immediately call 911.

Credit: Jeff Chiu/AP

12/17

Neighbors and merchants in San José reported the fall of a huge oak tree that caused a blackout in the neighborhood.

Credit: Univision 14.

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13/17

A couple was rescued in San Francisco after the storm after a tree fell on their car along with a power line. Look at the details.

Credit: Univision 14.

14/17

The storm that began Sunday night caused several trees to fall. One of them was a large eucalyptus that knocked down a fence. Look at the details.

Credit: Univision 14.

15/17

A tree fell on a car on Bodega Avenue in Sebastopol. Given the coming rains, the local police asked to be careful. Look at the details.

Credit: Univision 14.

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16/17

One person was trapped after a eucalyptus tree fell on a house located on Sandy Road, in Castro Valley. SEE THE DETAILS.

Credit: Univision 14.

17/17

Strong winds and rain have caused trees to fall in different areas of the Bay Area, something that for many represents a serious danger. So if you want to report a fallen tree you must dial 311, remember that there is an option in Spanish.

Credit: Univision 14.

2023-09-23 19:54:00
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