Campbell CERT

10/07/2026

10/04/2026

This is great advice and very timely. The upcoming El Nino season is predicted to be very severe. Make sure you're prepared with both insurance and standard preparedness.

As we wrap up National Preparedness Month, there’s one vital step many people forget until it's too late: checking their insurance coverage.

With state officials warning of potentially severe El Niño weather this winter, CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is urging residents to review their policies now before storms arrive.

Did you know standard homeowners and renters insurance usually does not cover flood or mudslide damage?
Four key steps to take today:

* Don't wait to look into flood insurance: Flood insurance policies generally have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. Waiting until a storm hits is too late.

* Check your auto policy: Comprehensive auto insurance usually covers flood damage or trees falling on your car.

* Document your belongings: Take 5 minutes to walk through your home with your smartphone camera to record your furniture, electronics, and personal items.

* Renters, check your coverage: A landlord’s insurance policy only covers the building—not your personal belongings inside.
Protecting your household means being ready physically and financially.

Have questions about your coverage? Contact your insurance provider or call the California Department of Insurance hotline at 1-800-927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov.

09/30/2026

This is the type of advice worthy of sharing with friends and family.

09/28/2026

09/25/2026

Reminder to avoid flooded roads!

According to NOAA, a strong El Niño is developing this season, bringing a higher chance of heavy rainfall, localized flash flooding, and urban runoff across California. While El Niño is a climate pattern rather than a single storm, warmer ocean waters mean winter storms can bring prolonged, intense rain.

Most flood casualties happen in vehicles. It takes only 12 inches of moving water to sweep away a small car, and 6 inches to knock an adult off their feet. If you encounter a flooded road, turn around immediately—it is never worth the risk.

During National Preparedness Month, take a few minutes to follow local agencies that will help you monitor roadway and creek level conditions during storms:

Valley Water
US National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area/Monterey California
Caltrans Bay Area-District 4
County of Santa Clara, California

Share this information with friends and loved ones to help our entire community prepare for the unpredictable weather season ahead.

09/23/2026

Safety In Seconds

Your Mission:
Check your stair handrails. Make sure they’re secure and easy to grip. If one is loose, get it repaired. If your stairs don’t have a handrail, consider having one installed.

Why:
A handrail gives you extra stability as you go up and down the stairs, helping you maintain your balance and prevent a fall.

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09/19/2026

When a major disaster strikes, local phone lines may crash due to high call volume. Calling family members across town might not go through, but calling someone across the country just might.

National Preparedness Month Tip: Pick Your Out-of-State Contact:

* Choose one designated contact who lives outside the area or even better, in another state (think of a relative or trusted friend).

* Have every family member save their number in their phone AND write a physical copy for their wallet or bag.

* Text, do not call. Text messages use less network bandwidth and are significantly more likely to go through during severe network strain. (If you can't text, then call.)

In a crisis, everyone texts the chosen contact with their location and status. That single contact becomes the central hub to confirm everyone is safe and helps with reunification.

Take 5 minutes today to assign your family’s out-of-state contact. And remember to fill your chosen contact in on the plan!

09/13/2026

Safety In Seconds

Mission: Choose one person who lives outside your county to be your family's emergency contact. Make sure everyone in your household has their name and phone number. Text instead of call.

Why: If a major emergency affects your area, local phone lines may be overloaded or your contact may be dealing with the same situation. An out-of-county contact gives your family a reliable point of contact outside the affected area. Text messages often get through when calls can’t.

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