This isn't just another weather blog, it's a winter weather blog

 When writing, I, and suspect others are as well, are greatly affected by current events. The California rain can be the cause of flash floods, mudslides, sinkholes and the rest. The rain isn't the problem. The fact we get rain like this every 7-10 years is the problem.  Everything dries out so completely. Debris piles up in the drainage canals, river and lake shores. It all floats down stream and clogs something up, then water backs up and voila, a washout.
  On the 3 mile long dead end road we live on, three huge eucalyptus trees (3-4 foot diameter) fell over across the road. People on the wrong side (both sides are the wrong side if you think about it) had a 3 hour holdup. That's when it pays to have a kit in your trunk. The same thing in the snow. I was raised in Minnesota where people typically had supplies in the trunk. A sleeping bag, flashlight, water, jumper cables and collapsible shovel are a few items a person may stage.

  In a situation like the fallen trees, the goal should be to be in a position to help. In a blizzard or snowed in mountain trip, it is a survival situation. It's important to determine the difference and plan accordingly. In the tree situation it's OK to park your car and walk home in the rain. Only if you are prepared for it, then it's very much an option. In a snow stranded situation it's best to not walk out, even if it's a short distance. A cheap heat source to keep in the trunk is a candle, a small clay flower pot and the basin that goes under it. Place the candle on the basin, light it and cover the candle with the pot. Make sure to have a gap under the pot for air to flow. It may keep a person from freezing.
  Last week in Fresno County, a school bus with children in it was driving down a state highway in the rain. This is a road in the middle of nowhere. It divides huge corporate farms on the west side of the valley. A power pole fell over with the lines draped over the bus. Poles continued to fall until 9 were over. The bus driver had all the kids stay in thier seats not touching anything metal. The Utility arrived and cleared the lines. The children were safe. That bus driver may have, and most likely did, keep the kids safe and alive. I know that area well. Some of the electric lines carry 15,000 volts, terrible in any conditions but much worse in the rain with deep puddles everywhere. It's best to assume every electrical line is "live", 15 kilovolts can jump a long way to ground. Ground may be through a person. Stay well clear of downed power lines (click here for advice on power line safety.

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  As with every emergency, even if it seems minor, a few seconds of planning and taking a survey of the situation may be a deciding factor. Each occurence is unique. It's wise to keep from panic and stressing out by coming up with a quick plan. Then stick to the plan.

Please comment, tell a story or an incident you may have encountered.

Thanks for reading jimandkate
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