A winter storm is forecast for southern California beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, January 5 and continuing through Friday, January 8. Active weather advisories include a High Wind Warning, Flash Flood Watch, and High Surf Advisory for various cities throughout the area.
The UCI Police Department, Emergency Services Unit is monitoring the situation in conjunction with other campus and local emergency personnel and Facilities Management staff are preparing the campus for the storm. At this time, there are no plans to cancel classes or suspend campus operations, but be prepared for travel delays. If the situation worsens and impacts the campus, emergency information will be made available via www.uci.edu, zotALERT emergency text messaging, the campus emergency information line 866-IRV-NEWS, and ZotRadio AM 1690.
For weather updates, please visit http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox/
As the first significant storm of the winter, this is a good opportunity to review storm preparedness information and resources. During any storm event, it is important to take steps for your own safety.
-- Use caution when outdoors during high wind and thunderstorm activity. Be aware of overhead hazards such as tree limbs and power lines.
-- Never approach a downed wire, even if it is not actively arcing or sparking. Report all downed wires to 911.
-- Allow extra time during commute periods to account for wet roadways, heavy traffic, and accidents.
-- Drive cautiously and leave extra space when following to allow for increased braking distances in wet conditions.
-- Remember that California state law requires headlights to be on during all periods of rain.
-- Make sure you have a full tank of gas to avoid running out during heavy traffic.
-- Do not attempt to drive or walk through flooded areas.
-- Bicyclists and motorcyclists should use lights and wear reflective rain gear or vests to ensure that they are visible.
-- Take steps to prepare your home. Ensure that your gutters are clear and that any loose exterior furniture or other items which may become airborne during heavy wind are properly secured.
-- If you have low-lying areas that are subject to flooding, take steps to mitigate these issues such as using sandbags.
-- Have flashlights and lanterns available in the event of a power outage, and be sure that they have fresh batteries.
-- Never use charcoal or propane fueled devices such as grills, heaters, or lanterns inside. These present both a fire hazard as well as a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Additional preparedness information can be found at www.police.uci.edu under Emergency Unit.
Jorge Cisneros
Chief of Police
We encourage the community to partner with the UC Irvine Police Department to prevent or report crime by calling (949) 824-5223. If you wish to remain Anonymous, call “OC Crime Stoppers” by dialing 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227), text "OCCS" plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or use the website http://occrimestoppers.org/
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UC Irvine Police Department
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