West Orange County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team for Western Orange County California)

West Orange County CERT serves the Western Orange County CA communities of Seal Beach, Cypress, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, La Palma, Buena Park, and Westminster,

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2107 Seal Beach Operation Sandbag 10

2107 Seal Beach Operation Sandbag 10

CERT-Sandbag Operation XThe City of Seal Beach requested the assistance of West Orange County CERT in filling sandbags that could be used by residents of the City of Seal Beach in event of their need for flood prevention in anticipation of the heavy rains expected on 02/17/2017 according to the National Weather Service.

West Orange County CERT responded to for the 10th sandbagging event “Operation Sandbag X” for the City over the past few years.  Seal Beach Public Works had provided sand and sandbags for this operation, as well as wooden pallets on which to store the completed sandbags. The Lions Club of Seal Beach, members of the Seal Beach Police Department’s Explorers came out in force to fill the bags. After a brief demonstration and safety discussion lead by Wink Chase, the group began filling sand bags. By the end of the evening, 904 sandbags were filled, tied, and stacked on the pallets. Before the Team left the beach at about 8:00 p.m. more than 50 sandbags had been picked up by nearby residents who were concerned about flood waters reaching their homes.

ABC Channel 7’s Eileen Ferrer videotaped the operation and her news presentations appeared at various times on Channel 7 throughout the evening and into the next day.

How to Fill & Deploy a Sandbag

How to Fill & Deploy a Sandbag

West Orange County CERT - How to Fill a SandbagFilling and effectively deploying sandbags is an easy process, if you know how.

The keys to filling a sandbag are:

  1. Don’t over fill. Sandbags should be filled to about 1/3 to 1/2 full so they can be easily moved and placed.
  2. Overlap the open of tied end with the next sandbag and stomp in place.
  3. When deploying a row on top of a row of sandbags, overlap the seems as shown in the video below.

In Seal Beach, you can find sandbag materials at the west end of the parking lot west of the pier at Ocean and Main streets and at Fire Station 44 (718 Central Ave) most of the year and especially during the winter months. At times during heavy winter storms,  West Orange County CERT, the Seal Beach Lions Club and other service organizations will pre-fill sandbags for the public to pick up and place at their residences and businesses. Early deployment of sandbags is important to protect your property. If your property is in danger from flood waters, plan ahead and have filled sandbags on hand.

Check the City of Seal Beach website or call the Seal Beach Police Department (562.799.4100 x1165) for additional details.

 

 

Sandbags on a flodded street - West Orange County CERT
Sandbag usage to keep flood waters out.

Remember to stomp the sandbag you place down to fill in the cracks between the bags to help keep the water out. Proper placement of sandbags will help keep your property safer from flood waters.

Wildfire Season Is Coming

Wildfire Season Is Coming

Wildfire Is Coming - Are you ready? West Orange County CERT & Cal FireAll wonderful, drought ending rain we have received in California this season has filled our lakes and reservoirs, and greatly improved the ground water levels throughout the State. It’s been wonderful. Of course there is always a reaction to any set of events.

In this case, all of the rain has created what is sure to be a record year for grass, brush, and tree growth. And by the time the hot days of July and August roll around, much of this growth will be brown and dry, setting the stage for a record wildfire season in the State as well.

While, we here in the West Orange County area have very little open space for grass and wildfires to take hold and threaten lives of our properties, many of us own or travel to other properties that could be threatened.

Know What to Do

Cal Fire has created a terrific resource at ReadyForWildfire.org, which outlines their 3-Step process for surviving California Wildfires. This short video summarizes the process.

Most Importantly

Wildfire Is Coming - Are you ready? CalFire & West Orange County CERT want you to be readyThe most important part of the Cal Fire  program for us here in West Orange County is the preparation checklist. This checklist is important not only for wildfire, it is important to your survival in any disaster.

Grab your copy of the Wildfire is Coming Brochure and make sure you are ready for fire or any other disaster that may come your, or your family’s way. It just takes a few minutes to become aware and could save your life and the lives of those you love. The CalFire Get Set Brochure outlines what you need to know.

 

http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Prepare-For-Wildfire/