WEROC

TAP WATER IS SAFE TO DRINK. WEROC is at a low-level activation in an effort to collect information to understand the impacts of COVID-19. For more information, please visit: http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novel_coronavirus

Did you know there are two sources for tsunamis here in California?

Local Sources: Large, offshore faults and massive submarine landslides can put nearby coastal neighborhoods at great risk. An example of this is The Cascadia Subduction Zone, which spans from Cape Mendocino in Northern California to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, a 700-mile long submarine fault. Local sources that could be impactful to Orange County are the Catalina Fault, the Channel Islands Thrust Fault, the Newport-Inglewood Fault and the San Mateo Thrust Fault.

Distant Sources: A large, Pacific Rim earthquake could cause a tsunami to reach our coast in 4 to 15 hours, post-earthquake. The Alaska-Aleutians Subduction Zone is an example of a distant source that can cause destructive tsunamis in California.

The California Geological Survey (CGS) provides geologic and seismic expertise to the public, and local and state governments. Visit their website to view inundation maps, and to learn how you, your family and your co-workers can prepare for a tsunami. www.tsunami.ca.gov

Tsunamis

California’s Tsunami Awareness Week is March 23 – 27, 2020. Tsunami’s are a real threat to our vulnerable coastal region here in Orange County due to our large offshore faults and steep underwater slopes. These characteristics can bring upon a local tsunami in minutes. While rare, you need to know what to do to evacuate safely and quickly. WEROC will be sharing tsunami preparedness information and resources, getting you ready for Tsunami Awareness Week.

Yorba Linda Water District hosted local officials to demonstrate a unique fire hydrant for helicopters. Helicopters can use the Heli Hydrant to refill their tanks close to a wildfire, saving time. Orange County Fire Authority pilots tackled strong winds to show this innovative solution to wildfires. || Learn more: bit.ly/Heli-Hydrant

Today WEROC, in partnership with US Flood Control, provided a demonstration to water and wastewater utilities of the Tiger Dam Emergency Flood Barrier. The demonstration was hosted at the El Toro Water District and provided attendees a unique opportunity to view first-hand, this simple, rapid deployment system used to create temporary flood barriers, protect critical infrastructure, divert river flow, keep roads open, and more. || YouTube video: https://youtu.be/82SQERhtDZI

Partners, this is an informative and engaging article about the impact that PSPSs have, not only on our homes, but on our businesses, schools, and our healthcare facilities. The threat of emergencies are now forcing the loss of power, not just the emergency itself. PSPSs are becoming our new normal in Southern California.

https://www.riskandresiliencehub.com/psps-the-latest-threat-to-business-continuity/

PSPS: The Latest Threat To Business Continuity Businesses in Northern California learned about a new threat to business continuity in October: the Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS. With weather conditions ripe for the rapid spread of wildfire, Pacific Gas and Electric de-energized thousands of miles of power lines, sending thousands of homes...

WEROC is happy to announce that MWDOC's Smart Timer Rebate Program has been showcased in the Alliance for Water Efficiency's publication, "Sustainable Landscapes: A Utility Program Guide". MWDOC staff members Melissa Baum-Haley and Rachel Waite performed the statistical water savings evaluations that made this recognition possible. WEROC congratulates Melissa and Rachel, and the whole Water Use Efficiency Department, on this accomplishment!

MWDOC pioneered Smart Timers as a quantifiable and reliable water savings opportunity, which are now seen as an industry standard across the country.

Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, Step 7: Reconnect and Restore

The Last Step: time to recover and restore our regular lives. Continue to listen for safety advisories and post-disaster information. Communicate with friends and family to let them know you are safe. Take stock of what is safe to eat and drink in your home. If your home is uninhabitable, look for a local shelter to take refuge, or with friends or family that are secure. When it is safe to do so, connect with your insurance agent to begin the process of returning your home to a safe environment. If you have to go to a shelter that doesn't take pets, look for short-term boarding for your animals.

There is more information here to help you and your family begin the process of recovery:
https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step7/

Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, Step 6: Improve Safety

Improve your safety by assessing your situation and evacuating your building if necessary. Assist others that may be injured or incapacitated, using your first aid training. If you think a Tsunami is possible, escape to higher ground as quickly as possible. If you are trapped, protect your mouth, eyes and nose from dust, and if you have access to sturdy shoes, put them on. Turn on the radio from your emergency preparedness kit, and listen to radio reports for public announcements and alerts. Stay calm and don't panic; running around madly can create a more dangerous environment for you and the others around you.

Read about the many ways to improve your safety here:
https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step6/

Please see the linked weather briefing from NOAA regarding our weather and impact outlooks for Orange County for this week. Thank you.

https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/event/dsstable.php

National Weather Service - NWS San Diego Detailed Hazards ViewerOutlooksDaily BriefingHeat Risk (Experimental)Flash Flood Potential DashboardDebris Flow Decision Support Page

Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, Step 5: Drop, Cover and Hold On

When the earth begins to shake, remember to immediately drop to the ground on your hands and knees. Stay low to prevent from being knocked over. Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand, and look for a table or desk to crawl under. Hold On until the earthquake stops. If you are under a shelter, use one hand to hold onto it. If you have no shelter, use both arms and hands to protect your head and neck.

Why are we suppposed to Drop, Cover and Hold On? Read about that here:
https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step5/

WEROC would like to congratulate MWDOC's Public Affairs Team on earning six awards from the Orange County Public Relations Society of America at their 44th annual gala on September 26, 2019. We would personally like to congratulate Tiffany, Sarah, Bryce, Traci, Jeannie and Damon...Fantastic Job!!!

NEWS RELEASE: MWDOC Earns Multiple Awards at the 44th Annual OCPRSA PROTOS Awards Gala - https://bit.ly/2nVaMgH

Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, Step 4: Minimize Financial Hardships

Having all of your important documents in order and sealed together can help in your financial improvement post-disaster. Have a second set copied and stashed somewhere safe. If you don't have earthquake insurance, get it. Renters can also get earthquake insurance for their homes. Have repairs done to your home to strengthen your property. Financial stability will ease your fears and contribute to a quicker and more efficient recovery.

Financial Recovery information can be found here:
https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/

Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, Step 3: Organize Disaster Supplies

There are essential supplies that are a must in your disaster preparedness kit. Water. Food. First Aid. Flashlight. Blankets. Cash. Keep them stored in the areas you spend most of your time, readily accessible. And have more than one (1) kit prepared. One for home, one for your car, one for your office. Don't forget your children and your pets. Have items that would bring comfort to your children, or distract them from the emergency they are experiencing. And keep a soft carrier available for your pet in case you need to transport them.

Detailed Preparedness Kit information can be found here: https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step3/

Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety, Step 2: Plan To Be Safe.

Create your disaster plan, then decide how best to communicate that plan. You may be dealing with aftershocks, lack of utilities and waste services, potential fires, and injuries. Planning now for natural disasters or major emergencies will help you, your family, and/or your co-workers deal with life post-catastrophe. Think of it as your disaster blueprint. Have your evacuation routes mapped out. Establish a reunification strategy with your family members, including choosing an out-of-area contact person to relay messages to one another.
Create your Plan. Practice your Plan. Share your Plan.



https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step2/

Beginning today, we will be highlighting The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety. The first four steps are to prepare yourself, your home, and your workplace to survive and to recover quickly.

Step 1: Secure Your Space.
Look around and remove any potential hazards. Secure any movable items considered a danger. Unsecured items can cause serious, and even fatal injuries. A UCLA study found that 55% of the injuries sustained in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake were due to falling furniture and thrown objects.



Read more here: https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step1

Earthquake Country Alliance: Welcome to Earthquake Country! Earthquake shaking can move almost anything, even large or heavy items. Imagine your home or workplace being picked up and shaken sideways – what would be thrown around? How can you prevent it?

10/17 @ 10:17am

As we all begin to prepare for The Great ShakeOut of 2019, The Rock has a message for everyone.

Earthquake Safety PSA - Ad Council Register at ShakeOut.org to join millions who are improving their earthquake safety!

Today is the National "If You See Something, Say Something" Awareness Day. It is easy to become complacent in our everyday routine, and not notice suspicious activity or out-of-the-ordinary signs that can be right in front of us. If something seems suspect or questionable, contact law enforcement using the "5W's": 1) Who do you see; 2) What did you see; 3) When you saw it; 4) Where it occurred; and 5) Why it's suspicious.

Please review the attached flyer from OCIAC, "Recognize The Signs of Suspicious Activity". Share this information with your employees, partners, customers, and on your social media platforms. Stay safe and stay informed.

It's time for your family to develop a plan!

Are you and your family prepared? It's time to make a plan! || Learn More: http://bit.ly/2LF1fDM

ORANGE COUNTY RESIDENTS: When assessing damages to your home following a disaster, remember to take photos and/or videos of ALL damaged property and belongings for insurance purposes (both indoor and outdoor). Be as detailed as possible. The more information you can provide the insurance adjuster, the faster your claim can be settled. Municipal Water District of Orange County

Great Reminder from the Municipal Water District of Orange County!

Following a disaster, access to a regular source of clean drinking water may not be possible. In the event of an emergency, you can tap into other sources of water found in and around your home! || Learn More: http://bit.ly/MWDOC-EmergencyResponse

September is National Preparedness Month. This year's theme is "Prepared, Not Scared. Be Ready For Disasters." ReadyOCwants to create more awareness about the importance of registering for AlertOC. Visit ReadyOC.org for a Digital Toolkit to use on social media or for print purposes to assist in promoting this incredibly important preparedness resource. http://readyoc.org/2019-NPM/ReadyOC-2019AlertOC-NationalPreparednessMonthToolkit.pdf

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