Safety Tips

Property owners can help protect their homes and businesses by taking a few simple precautions during the rainy season.

Candle Safety

• Be very careful if using candles during a power outage. Flashlights and other battery powered lights are safer sources of light during a power failure.
• Always keep a burning candle within sight.
• Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Always use a candle holder that is sturdy, won't tip over, made from material that can't burn, and large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Never use candles as a nightlight.

Driving Safety

Rainy weather can cause roads to become more slick and decrease visibility which makes driving in wet conditions more dangerous.

• Prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully
• Steer and brake with a light touch
• Avoid erratic corrections
• Increase following distance
• Keep tires properly inflated and maintain good tread to avoid hydroplaning
• Maintain wipers to allow for maximum visibility

Fireplace Safety

• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials
• Use a metal mesh screen to prevent sparks from entering the home
• Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper. trash or debris in a fireplace
• Do not use lighting fluid to start your fire
• Chimney should be fitted with a mesh screen and spark arrester
• Remove branches hanging above the chimney

Home Care

• Clear debris from rain gutters.
• Clear and clean all drains in yards, driveways and pool decks that could clog and cause backups into the home.
• Clear and place sandbags in problem areas if the area has been affected by a wildfire or if there have been flooding problems in the past. The District as well as the Town of Moraga and City of Orinda provide sand bag pickup locations to residents.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.

Preparing for a Power Outage

• Have battery-operated flashlights and radios with fresh batteries ready.
• Have a second telephone that does not require electricity (cell phone or standard telephone headset).
• When power is out, unplug or turn off all electric appliances to avoid overloading circuits and fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns.
• Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in the refrigerator/freezer to prevent food from spoiling.
• For downed power lines call 911 or PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
• To see current power outages visit PG&E's Outage Center