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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: City Manager’s Office

January 4, 2016

Phone: 951-765-2301

City Prepared for First El Niño Rains - Encouraging Citizens to be Proactive

HEMET, CA – Hemet City officials are encouraging residents and businesses to take precautionary measures in preparation of the first series of storms associated with the El Niño condition. Heavy rain is forecast throughout Southern California beginning Tuesday and continuing through Friday. Hemet Fire Chief Scott Brown said in a recent El Niño preparation summit that the city team has been working for several months in preparation for El Niño related storms and potential flooding. Public safety and public works officials have been coordinating planning efforts since the record-setting El Niño was predicted last summer.

Public Works Director Kris Jensen confirmed that city crews have cleared storm drains and retention basins in preparation for the heavy rain. Portable pumps and equipment will be staged in areas prone to flooding. Public Works staff will be actively monitoring these areas and coordinating resources throughout the storm event. “Residents are encouraged to prepare for flooding before it starts raining,” said Jensen.

The city has free sand available near each of the 5 city fire stations and sandbags are available for purchase at the locations listed below. In the event of localized flooding, citizens are encouraged to shelter in place and call 9-1-1 if safety is compromised by flooding. Otherwise, general flooding should be reported to the Public Works Department at 951-765-3712.

City Engineer Steve Latino reminded the public to expect excess water in the streets and retention basins throughout the city, "That's a good indication that the system is working as it was designed," Latino said.

Additional public safety personnel and trained volunteers will be on-call during the rain

event. The city is prepared to activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) if conditions warrant it.

Hemet Mayor Bonnie Wright encouraged her fellow citizens to be vigilant during the impending storms. Wright said, “The City of Hemet Fire, Police and Public Works departments are very well-prepared to respond to flood-related emergencies, but we all need to be watchful and take care of each other so the professionals can do their work.”

Mayor Pro Tem K. Paul Raver said he is pleased with the city's preparation and has full confidence in the city staff's ability to handle this event. "I'm very proud of the city team for starting the planning process early, it will pay off in the event that we have major flooding during this El Niño season,” said Mr. Raver.

Safety Tips for Flood Conditions:

• Avoid unnecessary trips, only travel in emergency situations

• DO NOT sight-see in flooded areas

• DO NOT attempt to go around barricades

• DO NOT try to cross low water crossings that have flowing water.

Did you know?

• Just 6 inches of fast moving water can sweep you off your feet.

• 2 feet of flowing water can move a 2,000 pound car.

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Message From The Fire Chief About Sandbags...

Residents will be responsible to purchase their own sandbags, the City has made sand available at each of its Fire Stations. They need to ensure they are prepared to fill their own bags, they should bring a shovel – personnel will be available to assist, however may not be if they are on an emergency call.

If you are in need of sand bags for the public right of way or have sand bag questions please call City of Hemet Public Works at 765-3712.

Sand bags can be purchased at:

1. Lowes, 350 South Sanderson Ave, Hemet (951) 492-7000

2. Home Depot, 3400 West Florida, Hemet, (951)929-9742

3. Hemet True Value Hardware, 2007 East Florida, Hemet, (951) 652-4011

4. B&W Pipe and Supply, 490 N. State Street, Hemet, (951)925-9280

5. Valle Vista Home Center, 42951 Hwy 74, Hemet, (951) 927-2795