» EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER - 12/29/10 :
TULARE COUNTY EXPERIENCES ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AND FLOODING
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :
Emergency Operations Center Continues Storm Emergency Management
VISALIA - Tulare County was hit with heavy rainfall Tuesday night,
moving the Tulare County/Operational Area Emergency Operations Center to
a higher level of activation to support county and city response
actions. A local state of emergency continues to stand as the heavy
precipitation caused additional localized flooding in flood-prone areas
and ROAD CLOSURES.
Tulare County/Operational Area Emergency Operations staff has continued
to monitor the storm impact, and with recent heavy rainfall, portions of
Tulare County such as Seville, Tonyville, Lindsay, and east Porterville
have experienced flooding. Crews have been on-site around the clock in
all portions of the County working on disaster mitigation, as the
National Weather Service is now forecasting light sprinkling for the
rest of the week.
All residents are urged to continue to take safety measures as rain
water moves through the County. Of specific concern, at no time should
manhole covers be removed, or tampered with. Every attempt should be
made to stay out of and avoid flood and standing water. If you come in
contact with flood waters, individuals should use good hygiene practices
to promptly clean themselves, and no one should eat food, use cosmetics
or medicines that have come in contact with flood waters. Tulare County
residents impacted by the storms should call the Tulare County FireComm
Dispatch to report flood damage at (559) 733-6544.
Additionally, residents are highly encouraged to continue to take
safety measures on the roadways as rain water moves through the County.
Currently, many roads have been closed due to flooding and many areas
are experiencing smaller flooded roads and flooded run off areas.
Residents are urged to practice safe driving measures, especially near
flooded roadways. Do not attempt to drive on roads covered in water.
Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. A foot of water is
enough to sweep a car off the road. Temporary barriers blocking flooded
roadways are placed by emergency personnel for safety reasons;
individuals should never drive around them into a flooded area, an
alternate route should be taken.
Sandbags are available to all Tulare County residents, and are
available in most cities within Tulare County. Information regarding
locations where residents can pick up sandbag materials for their
personal use is available on the County's website at
www.co.tulare.ca.us. Residents may also call 2-1-1, Tulare County's
local, free information and referral line, or contact their city to
determine the closest sandbag pickup location.
Sandbag materials are available at the following Tulare County
facilities through the duration of the storms:
• Cutler-Orosi Fire Station, 40779 Road 128, Cutler
• Lemon Cove Fire Station, 32490 Highway 198, Lemon Cove
• Three Rivers Fire Station, 41412 South Fork Drive, Three Rivers
• Lindsay Fire Station, 19603 Avenue 228, Lindsay
• Doyle Colony Fire Station, 1551 Success Drive, Porterville
• Pixley Fire Station, 200 North Park Drive, Pixley
• Porterville Road Yard, 1243 West North Grand Avenue, Porterville
(Business Hours Only)
Safety measures that residents can take during this severe storm
include: stay indoors or take shelter until heavy rain passes, carefully
consider weather and road conditions if you must travel, and listen to a
weather or news channel for the latest information and news updates.
For additional assistance, Tulare County residents may contact the
Tulare County Sheriff's Department at the following numbers:
• City of Dinuba: (559) 591-3939
• City of Visalia: (559) 733-6211
• Pixley: (559) 757-3525
• City of Porterville: (559) 784-4670
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Allison M. Lambert
Media Specialist, Administrative Services Division
Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency
5957 South Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA, 93277
Telephone: (559) 624-8007
Fax: (559) 740-4382
E-Mail: ALambert@tularehhsa.org
