Full Notification

The Sausalito Police Department, Southern Marin Fire Protection District, and Sausalito Department of Public works would like to remind the community of the importance of citizens being prepared for winter storms and the cold weather those storms can bring. Winter storms can range from a moderate rain over a few hours to heavy rains that last for several days which cause flooding. Many winter storms are accompanied at times by dangerously low temperatures, strong winds, iced sidewalks/roadways, and downed trees. Winter storms often have the ability to knock out heat, power, and communication services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Here are some tips to follow during winter storms and periods of extremely cold weather.

• Stay indoors during the storm.

• Walk carefully on wet/iced over walkways.

• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

• Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.

• Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in
the day; don't travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.

• Do not drive through a flooded area. Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control and possibly stall. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Cars, SUVs and pickup trucks can be swept away in just 2 feet of moving water. Do not drive around road barriers; they are there for a reason.

• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

• If the pipes in your home freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).

• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

• Dress properly for the weather:

o If you must go outside it the rain or cold weather, wear
several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm
clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The
outer garments should be tightly woven and water
repellent (ex: rain jacket).
o Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
o Wear a hat. A hat will prevent loss of body heat.
o Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

For more information regarding all forms of disaster preparedness, please visit the City of Sausalito’s Disaster Preparedness website at http://www.ci.sausalito.ca.us/index.aspx?page=667.

If you have any questions about preparing for disasters or emergencies or would like to host a neighborhood meeting regarding disaster preparedness, please contact the City of Sausalito Emergency Services Manager, Sergeant Fraass, at (415) 289-4171 or [email protected].