San Joaquin County residents, who experienced harsh weather conditions last year, including powerful winds, toppling trees, and heavy flooding, are receiving focused attention from the County's Office of Emergency Services (OES) this year. The OES is actively engaging the community through social media, radio, and posters, emphasizing the importance of preparation for the rain and winter seasons.
Ivan Gutierrez, the OES Public Information Officer, reflected on last year's storms as "crazy" and stressed the necessity of not waiting until the last minute to prepare. Although no major weather-related emergencies are foreseen at the moment, the OES is intent on preventing a recurrence of last year's issues.
The county is working with departments such as Public Works to monitor areas that were significantly affected by flooding last year. David Tolliver, Public Works Deputy Director of Operations, described their current efforts. "What we’ve been working on the last 45 days and continue to work on is essentially keeping the drainage, conveyance systems, our roadside ditches open, free, clear, and allowing a pathway for water to travel," he said. Tolliver also mentioned ongoing monitoring and minor repairs on local levees.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant for any emergency alerts throughout the season, as the county prioritizes preparedness and safety in the face of potential severe weather challenges.