Office Closed for Thanksgiving
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Pine Cove Water District office will be closed on Thursday Nov. 24th and Friday Nov. 25th
Our emergency staff will be available by calling 951-294-8282
Archive for Emergencies
Rattlesnake Awareness
Have you come across a rattlesnake? We have them all around, not just on hiking trails. They hide in rock formations and stacks of logs.
Although fatalities are rare from bites, they occur. Most recently there was an article of a fatal rattlesnake bite in Colorado. The article that can be found here has a lot of good advice of what to do and what not to do if you or someone you are with gets bitten.
The main things I’d like to share (because the article is lengthy) are:
* Notify local emergency staff
* If the snake is still in the vicinity, move carefully away to a safe location
* If you can do so safely, take a picture of the snake for identification
* Have the victim lie flat keeping the bite location even with the heart and rest – do not leave them alone
* Allow bite to bleed freely for about 30 seconds and then clean and disinfect the area
* Wrap a bandage from an area just above the bite past the knee or elbow joint
* Remove all jewelry and tight-fitting clothing as the bitten appendage will swell
DO NOT:
* apply oral suction to the bite
* make any sort of incision
* apply ice, hot or cold packs
* take aspirin or use any medication
* eat or drink unless approved by a physician
Other tips
* Snakes are often heard before they are seen – once heard, freeze and assess the situation
* Establish a safe distance – good rule of thumb is to put at least 5 ft between yourself and the snake
* Move slowly back the way you came
* Wear sturdy leather boots that cover the ankles
* Watch where you place feet and hands at all times
* Be aware of your surroundings – DO NOT wear headphones or ear buds
* A coiled up snake is ready to attack!
Stay safe everyone!
Leaks and Frozen Pipes
Temperatures are going to drop again this weekend. If you are leaving your mountain home, be sure to turn off the customer valve and empty all the drains. Leave a faucet open just a crack to make sure there is room for any excess water to come out rather than freeze and bust your pipes. You may want to look into insulating your pipes if they are not already.
We do not forgive water bills for leaks or busted pipes. Any water that runs through the meter will be charged accordingly.
If you don’t know where your customer shut off valve is at the street, please call during normal business hours to waive a service fee and we’ll guide you. If you call after hours, there will be a fee starting at $15. An emergency leak or busted pipe call after hours could incur a fee starting at $50.
If you notice any leaks, call us immediately. Upon confirmation of the leak you could receive a $25 gift card to a restaurant in town.
Regular Office Hours 9am – 4pm 951-659-2675
After Hours Emergency Line 951-294-8282
Don’t let this be you!
Do we have your correct information?
Have you moved recently?
Have you gotten a new PO Box?
Have you changed your phone number?
New email address?
When a situation arises, it is important to us that we get a hold of you in a timely manner. Having to call multiple phone numbers that are disconnected or getting emails kicked back is not efficient and we really want to be as efficient as possible.
Please, please, please, make sure all of your information is updated in our system to avoid wasting time and materials.
Thank you!
Earthquake Preparedness
With the most recent swarm of earthquakes in Northern California, I thought it was time to remind everyone about being prepared for earthquakes.
Earthquakes can be extremely destructive causing down power lines, loss of water, destruction of roads and homes. In the event of a massive quake in our area are we as prepared as we need to be for our survival?
Its great idea to think about how to earthquake proof your home now to minimize the extent of the damage. Starting with anchoring bookcases and large furniture to walls and installing latches on drawers and cabinet doors to keep contents from spilling out. Learn more about our community’s disaster preparedness plans. Create a personalized family plan with escape routes and emergency meeting place. Its recommended to establish a contact person to communicate with concerned relatives and it is a good idea that this person be out of state because if all the local lines are tied up they can help. It is important that all family members know where the gas, electric and water main shutoff controls are in your home and how to turn them off if there is a leak or electrical short. Keep the tools necessary for emergency shut offs close by.
Put together an emergency kit and make sure all household members know where it is. Some important items to include in your kit are:
- WATER – 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days. (Store more than 3-day supply of water, if possible).
- FOOD – Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food for all members of your home, including pets. Include a non-electric can opener for canned food.
- FLASHLIGHT/RADIO – You will need to be able to charge these items without electricity. Your flashlight and radio should be either hand-cranked or battery-powered, and stored with extra batteries.
- MEDICAL – Include first aid kit, prescription and non-prescription/over-the-counter medications, and medical supplies.
- SANITATION – Pack supplies for sanitation, such as hand sanitizer, towelettes, paper products, feminine products, and plastic bags, to use if water resources become limited.
- BATTERIES/CHARGING DEVICE – Include mobile cell charger it should be hand-crank, solar, or able to be charged from a car outlet. Batteries will be necessary for flashlights, radios, etc.
- CLOTHING AND BLANKETS – Long sleeves and long pants, thick-soled shoes, and work gloves to protect yourself after the earthquake, and a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
- WHISTLE – Include a whistle to signal for help.
- CASH – Store at least $100 in cash in case ATMs are not functioning after the earthquake.
- FIRE EXTINGUISHER – Earthquakes can cause fires to break out; have a fire extinguisher so you can put out any small fires. Use a fire extinguisher only if you are physically capable.
Posted in: Community, Earthquakes, Emergencies, Fire
Leave a Comment (0) →Do you have your Emergency Kit ready?
We’re starting to get into our fire season and it’s always a good idea to prepare or freshen up your Go Bag. Now is the time to make sure any non-perishable foods are up to date, fresh water replaces last year’s water, chargers are charged, and more in case of an emergency. I have 1 bag by the front door and 1 in my truck.
Build an Emergency Evacuation Kit Including:
- Jugs of Water for washing / cooking
- Bottled Water for drinking
- Non-perishable food
- Copies of prescription medications
- Cell Phone chargers
- Bedding including sleeping bags & pillows
- Extra change of clothes
- Battery operated radio
- Extra batteries
- Flashlight
- First-aid kit
- Copies of important documents (like your drivers license, SS card, proof of residency, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc.)
- Pre-pack non-replaceable, personal items that you can quickly move to a vehicle if you are instructed to evacuate
- Physical list of important phone numbers (in case your electronics aren’t charged)
Talk to your family, friends, neighbors and make a plan! Decide where to meet, where to stay, where you are going. If you have pets plan ahead for them as well and have prepared go bags for them. If you do not have a car, make a plan ahead of time… ask a friend or a neighbor ahead of time, if you can ride off the hill with them. If you have a car, keep 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times. If the power goes out, the stations may not be able to pump gas unless they have a generator and even then they may only be able to take cash payments. Remember, in case of an emergency the number one priority is safety first. Proper advanced preparations can ease the stress of evacuation and help you make sure all the necessities are not left behind or forgotten.
Posted in: Community, Earthquakes, Emergencies, Fire, Fire Danger
Leave a Comment (0) →Are you Prepared? (Part 2)
In addition to the Basic Emergency Evacuation Kit mentioned in last week’s post, here are more items that can be added based on your individual needs.
Additional Emergency Supplies:
- Soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, etc.
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Maintaining Your Kit:
After assembling your kit, remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Re-think your needs every 6-months to a year and update your kit as needs change
Kit Storage Locations:
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for your home, work, and vehicles.
- Home: Keep in a designated place and have it ready in case you need to leave quickly. Make sure all family members know where it is.
- Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should at least include food, water, medications, comfortable walking shoes in a “grab and go” case.
- Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car
As mentioned before:
Talk to your family and friends, make a plan! Decide where to meet, where to stay, where you are going. If you have pets or seniors to consider, plan ahead for them as well and have specific prepared go bags. If you do not have a car, make a plan ahead of time… ask a friend or a neighbor if you can ride off the hill with them if needed. If you have a car, keep 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times. If the power goes out, the stations may not be able to pump gas unless they have a generator and even then they may only be able to take cash payments.
Remember, in case of an emergency the number one priority is safety first. Proper advanced preparations can ease the stress of evacuation and help you make sure all the necessities are not left behind or forgotten.
You can get more detailed information at https://www.ready.gov/kit
Posted in: Around the District, Community, Emergencies, Fire
Leave a Comment (0) →Are you prepared?
Fire and quake season is upon us. Do you have an Emergency Plan to help you and your loved ones evacuate easily? It is a good idea to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car or to grab and go box that will be easily accessible for you and your family.
Build a basic Emergency Evacuation Kit Including:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
- Non-perishable food (at least 3 days supply)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Bottled water
- Prescription medications and copies of the prescription
- Battery operated or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter potential contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (in case of a shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes / baby wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Local maps
- Cell phone and chargers
- First-aid kit
- Cash
- Copies of important documents (driver’s license/ID, SS card, proof of residency, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc.)
- Extra change of clothes and bedding
- Pre-pack non-replaceable, personal items like photo albums that you can quickly move to a vehicle if you are instructed to evacuate
Talk to your family and friends, make a plan! Decide where to meet, where to stay, where you are going. If you have pets or seniors to consider, plan ahead for them as well and have specific prepared go bags. If you do not have a car, make a plan ahead of time… ask a friend or a neighbor if you can ride off the hill with them if needed. If you have a car, keep 1/2 tank of gas in it at all times. If the power goes out, the stations may not be able to pump gas unless they have a generator and even then they may only be able to take cash payments.
Remember, in case of an emergency the number one priority is safety first. Proper advanced preparations can ease the stress of evacuation and help you make sure all the necessities are not left behind or forgotten.
You can get more detailed information at https://www.ready.gov/kit
Posted in: Around the District, Community, Emergencies, Fire
Leave a Comment (0) →Quake Swarm News Release from Riverside County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2020
Contact:
Brooke Federico
(951) 743-0075 – cell
bcfederico@rivco.org
Quake swarm is warning for residents and businesses to prepare
This week’s earthquake swarm beneath the Salton Sea, at the southern end of the San Andreas Fault, is a stark reminder that Riverside County residents and businesses must prepare for earthquakes.
“Earthquakes can happen at any time,” said Bruce Barton, director of the Riverside County Emergency Management Department (EMD). “It is important to remember that Southern California is earthquake country and Riverside County has active fault lines running through it. The time to prepare for earthquakes is now.”
The U.S. Geological Survey issued a public statement Aug. 10, noting that there is an 80 percent probability that earthquakes will continue over the next seven days and some may be moderate
in size between magnitude 4.5 and 5.4. A moderate earthquake may cause localized damage.
There is approximately a 19 percent chance that a larger earthquake between magnitude 5.5 – 6.9 could occur within seven days, which could cause damage around the Salton Sea as well as aftershocks. There is a 1 percent probability that a much larger earthquake of magnitude 7 or
higher can occur with seven days.
It is critical for all Riverside County residents, business owners and visitors to plan for what to do before, during and after an earthquake, including:
• Now: Create an emergency kit with water, food and other essential items that will sustain your family for three to seven days.
• During: Drop, cover and hold on during the shaking. If driving, pull to the side of road and stop until shaking stops. Do not take cover under overpasses or bridges.
• After: Prepare for aftershocks. Do not handle or drive over downed power lines. If you smell gas, leave the area.
“This latest swarm of earthquakes reminds me of words from my former UC Riverside geography professor. He told us students, ‘This is earthquake country. It is only a matter of time for a major earthquake.’ We should always be prepared,” said Board Chair V. Manuel Perez, Fourth District Supervisor.
In the event of an earthquake, EMD will provide emergency information and instructions through the media, social media and phone notification systems. Visit RivCoReady.org, @RivCoReady on Twitter and Facebook for valuable information on how to prepare, including instructions on how to build an emergency kit. Community members are also urged to register cell phone numbers with the county’s mass notification system, called Alert RivCo.
Posted in: Earthquakes, Emergencies
Leave a Comment (0) →Riverside County Emergency Reverse 911
With Fires blazing all over Southern California PCWD wants to make sure our residents are best prepared if a disaster were to strike close to home again. Getting informed of an emergency is the first step. When you have an emergency, 911 is the number to call but did you know that Riverside County offers an emergency telephone alerting system? When disasters occur that are unknown to you, REVERSE 911 calls you. The system called REVERSE 911 and works through our telephones. It uses computer technology to quickly contact many residents and businesses in a specific area to communicate information. Early Warning Notification System (EWNS) allows public safety first responders to rapidly alert and warn the general public in the event of emergencies.
The EWNS is one of a group of alert warning tools used in Riverside County. Any Business or residence in Riverside county that has traditional land line phone service (listed or unlisted) is already a part of the EWNS. Cell phones or VoIP numbers have to be registered to receive these emergency alerts. Just visit Riverside County’s secure website homepage: www.countyofriverside.us and add the number you would like to be notified by.
The EWNS can make up to 250,000 calls per hour to reach the public of Riverside County. Registered phone numbers will be notified in the event of a small, medium or large emergency. It is important for us to get the notification as soon as possible in the event of a wildfire, flood, severe weather, hazardous material warning, law enforcement incidents, etc. Having an early warning can help keep you and your loved ones safe and informed about potential dangers in our community.
Don’t forget the important parts of evacuation- The P’s of Evacuation
- People
- Pets
- Personal computer
- Prescriptions
- Papers
- Photos
- Phone (& charger)
- personal needs
- priceless items