Station 15 has sandbags and sand for pick up.
Sandbags are $.25 each.
(Bayview Heights Dr., Los Osos)

Winter storms can be the most expensive and deadly of all Natural occurrences.  So why are they so underrated?  There are a few simple reasons.  First, winter storms are common. Secondly As they are common (and wide reaching) the damage can be spread out. Lastly the life toll that come from winter storms are mostly caused by indirect factors, therefore are not often associated directly to the storm.

According to the World watch Institute, in 1998 alone, severe weather caused more than 30,000 deaths and close to $90 billion in damage. Hurricanes ravaged coastlines, tornadoes plowed through the United States with record force, and rain battered crops and left millions of people homeless worldwide. What causes such severe weather? Can we prepare ourselves for these disasters?

http://annenbergmedia.org/interactives/weather/act_tornad

HOME PREPARATION

Candles and flashlights - if the power goes out - at the worst of this year's storm 54,000 homes were without power. Be sure to have a stock of candle and flashlights. One for each room and extras for if the power is off a long time.

Batteries - lots and lots of batteries - if the home is without power for long enough flashlights batteries will wear out.
Battery Operated Radio - stay tuned to the local news channels so that you know when and how the storm is going. If there is an emergency the family needs to know what to do.

Cell Phone - communication is a major part of any storm. Every family needs to have a phone that is charged and able to call 911 for any and all emergencies.
Food - be sure to purchase staples for when the storm is raging. Frozen food will remain frozen for a long time if the freezer door is only open when it is absolutely necessary. Purchase rice, potatoes; peanut butter, bread, and soups food items like these can keep a person alive for quite some time.

Ice Chest - this item can always be placed outside to store food and other items in. They will stay cold if there is snow on the ground. Snow can even be placed in the ice chest to keep foods cold.

Water - be sure to store some bottled water just before the storm hits. It will remain fresh for a long period of time and is good for drinking and cooking.

Matches - these if course are for those candles and a barbeque if one is available cook on.

Barbeque and propane - meals can always be prepared on a gas barbeque - be sure to fill the propane tank and have an extra one on hand for emergency use.

Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. The actual threat to you depends on your specific situation. Recent observations indicate the following:

Related to ice and snow:

• About 70% occur in automobiles.

• About 25% are people caught out in the storm.

•  Related to exposure to cold: 50% are people over 60 years old.

• Over 75% are males.

• About 20% occur in the home.