August 6, 2014 August Severe Weather Event Forest Falls Community Update On Sunday, August 3, over 4.7” of rain fell in less than an hour, causing severe flooding, along with mud and debris flow throughout the Forest Falls community. San Bernardino County Supervisor James Ramos and Fire Chief Mark Hartwig instantly went into action sending resources to Forest Falls. It’s in times of disasters such as this that shows what a tight-knit community Forest Falls truly is. There was no hesitation on the community’s part to jump in and assist their neighbor and public safety crews. Initial Response • County Fire received several calls from residents stating they were stranded in their homes and mud was infringing upon their homes causing damage. County Fire also received several reports of vehicles being washed off the road, into the adjacent creek. No major injuries were incurred by residents or guests. Sadly, two dogs were found deceased. • Your San Bernardino County / Forest Falls firefighters responded to calls for help and started checking known flood areas for those in distress. Utilizing a skip loader from the fire station, firefighters were able to gain access to the Big Falls recreation area parking lot, where they located approximately 60 people who were recreating in the area. Eventually about 100 people arrived at the community center seeking shelter. • County Fire units immediately responded, including County Fire Search & Rescue teams, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Valley of the Falls Search & Rescue team was deployed as well. • The Forest Falls Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) activated and assisted firefighters with door-to-door searches. CERT team members opened up the Forest Falls Community Center, utilizing it as an emergency shelter for those stranded. • County Fire Firefighter’s hiked in to the emergency shelter with water and MREs (meals ready to eat) to support those persons that had sought shelter there. • Firefighters responded to initial calls for help then performed a door-to-door search to ensure all residents were safe and accounted for. • Search efforts were hindered when a live power line went down across Valley of the Falls Drive. Southern California Edison responded and shut down power until it was safe to conduct repairs. What’s been happening? • County Fire Hand Crews remain in the community helping residents dig out from the mud and debris. • County Fire brought in equipment to start clearing driveways of mud and debris. • SB County Roads immediately started clearing Valley of the Falls Drive and remain in the community clearing all County roads. • On 8/4, the roadway was cleared enough to make access to the community center and all those who were seeking shelter at the community center were escorted to safety by Sheriff Deputies. • The County Office of Emergency Services (OES) activated and started the damage assessment process. • County OES continues to gather damage assessment figures in order to seek an emergency declaration from the state. • County OES is working closely with the CAL OES recovery unit to validate the damage figures. • County OES has assigned a Volunteer Coordinator to assist with the coordination of volunteers. What does a local proclamation and state declaration mean to me? • On 8/5, the County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a local emergency. • Once the County proclaims a local emergency, it is forwarded to the state to request a state emergency declaration. The state sends representatives into the communities affected to assess the damage. If the emergency meets the state threshold, the Governor will declare an emergency. • If the state declares the emergency, the County will be eligible for reimbursement. An approved declaration may also make low interest loans available to those affected by the storm.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 06:16:57 +0000