GONZALES — Don’t panic, have a plan, plan for yourself and your family and then help others was just some of the advice the Gonzales Recreation Department summer campers learned during the Safety Academy at Gonzales Police Department on July 12.
Public Works Director Harold Wolgamott led approximately 30 campers in what to do in emergency situations on Wednesday afternoon. Wolgamott warned the campers about where Gonzales would flood, starting at the river or slough.
“That slough eventually fills up and then overflows,” Wolgamott said. “Homes near the slough, like the trailer park, have flooded before.”
Wolgamott said in the event of a flood, residents should get out of their homes. Climbing onto the roof of a home doesn’t work because the flood goes around the house and the residents become stuck and need rescuing.
“The good thing is when you need to leave your house or evacuate, the first responders always tell you where to go,” Wolgamott said. “All the schools are evacuation centers. American Red Cross can set them up with beds and food.”
The City of Gonzales allows “Safe and Sane” fireworks, but Wolgamott said just because they are legal doesn’t mean they are safe.
“People get burned every year from sparklers,” Wolgamott said. “They can poke out eyes, the magnesium that comes of those can burn your skin.”
The city has had two grass fires occur this year from “Safe and Sane” fireworks. Illegal fireworks have also caused problems because they shoot up into the air and are unpredictable in where they will end up.
In Salinas on July 5, two youths were hurt after setting off illegal fireworks that ignited and blew apart their home.
The day campers also learned what to do in the event of an emergency and being a pet owner. Should residents take animals with them if there is a fire, flood, earthquake or other natural disaster?
According to Wolgamott, residents should take their pets with them.
“In Monterey County, every time we set up a shelter with American Red Cross, the ASPCA sets up a pet shelter next to you,” Wolgamott said. “What we know in emergency services is to make you feel better, to keep you calm, I want your pets with you.”
In the event of an evacuation, water, food, clothes, flashlight and a toothbrush are among some necessary items, and the same will be needed for your pet or pets.
