Here are the resources available for Folsom city residents during severe storms

The city of Folsom sent out a storm alert Tuesday in preparation for extreme winter storms, including Wednesday’s forecast.

The first major storm since Saturday will bring heavy rainfall and sustained strong winds, potentially toppling more trees and leading to power outages in the Sacramento region.

Folsom encourages its residents to stay prepared for the storms and any situation that could arise from it.

Preparing the city

According to the city’s website, wet winter storms can cause power outages, flooding and dangerous driving conditions.

To see outage updates in your area, check the SMUD outage map.

The city recommends residents clear debris out of their drains, rain gutters and downspouts. It also suggests trimming trees and removing broken branches from your property.

According to Christine Brainerd, the communications director for the city of Folsom, the city does not know about trees that fell on private property in most cases. However, she said the city estimates up to 10 trees fell during the last storm, including a tree that fell on private property, blocked a public street and hit power lines in the Valley Pines area.

Brainerd said three trees fell and blocked walking trails on Canyon Falls Drive, Briggs Ranch and near the Iron Point light rail station.

The city said residents should consider obtaining flood insurance or checking their existing policy to make sure they have enough coverage. They should also secure all loose lawn and patio furniture, the city said.

Residents can make an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, water, nonperishable food and other essentials in case of a power outage. The city also recommends having an emergency plan in place and going to the Federal Emergency Management Agency website at Ready.gov for information on how to prepare.

The city of Folsom cooperates with the Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services to notify residents of emergencies using an alert system. Register at sacramento-alert.org.

If your property has a history of flooding, the city said it offers sandbag stations and free sandbag materials next to Fire Station 36 at 9700 Oak Avenue Parkway and behind City Hall at 50 Natoma St. The city said sandbags are also available at online retailers and home improvement stores. To learn more about where to get them, visit folsom.ca.us/sandbags.

Who to call during the storm

In the event of a storm-related emergency, such as a downed power line, downed trees on live wires or a life-threatening emergency, the city suggests calling 911.

To report non-emergency storm-related hazards to the city, including localized flooding, fallen trees or limbs and clogged storm drains call 916-355-8344.

Between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., call 916-355-8348 to report downed street signs and traffic signals or streetlights that are out. After 3:30 p.m., contact the Folsom Police Department dispatch line at 916-355-7231.

“The city responds to trees that have fallen in public right away,” Brainerd said via email. “In many circumstances, we call in our on-call contractor, West Coast Arborists.”

For an after-hours tree-related emergency, call the Sacramento branch of West Coast Arborists at 916-830-7907, then press 7.

Residents can also submit hazards through the city’s new online and mobile app: Folsom Connect. On the app, you can provide a location, description and photo as you see the issue in real time. Once it has been submitted, the city said it will be routed and promptly addressed.

Navigating wet roads

The city said residents should check to see if, on their vehicle, their windshield wipers are in good condition, their tires have plenty of tread and are properly inflated, the defroster functions properly, the head and brake lights work and that brakes are in good condition.

When driving, the city recommends slowing down and keeping extra space between cars, allowing extra travel time, never driving a car through deep water on a flooded road, keeping headlights on and using low beams in fog.

The city said drivers should watch for spray from passing trucks and oncoming cars, brake gently to avoid skidding or hydroplaning, avoid using cruise control, wear seat belts, turn down the radio, avoid using your cell phone, and pull over if conditions become to intense.

Bicyclists and pedestrians should avoid flowing water, according to the city.

If advised by authorities to evacuate, the city asks residents to move immediately to a safe area. The city suggests checking on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons and families with infants.

For more information visit the city website at folsom.ca.us or the Sacramento County’s storm preparedness website at FloodReady.org.