CA Residents Urged To Sign Up For Emergency Alerts In Wake Of Texas Floods And CA Wildfire

In the crucial moments before flash floods in Texas claimed more than 100 lives early Saturday morning, the victims had little warning and even less time to flee before the flood waters overtook them.

The tragic death toll is a stark reminder that every second counts in the face of life-threatening catastrophe, and California authorities are reminding residents here to make preparations and sign up for their local emergency alert system now.

This can best be done by learning your evacuation zone, assembling an emergency kit and by signing up for the state's emergency alert system, according to Cal Fire.

"The heartbreaking tragedy in Texas reminds us how quickly disaster can strike and why early detection, real-time weather monitoring, and personal preparedness can save lives," Cal Fire wrote in a social media post this week. "Sign up NOW for emergency alerts, learn your evacuation zone, and build a go kit before the next threat appears. Our hearts are with the victims and their families."

The state has a system that allows residents to sign up for alerts specific to their area. Here's how to sign up:

• Visit Listos California here.
• Enter your ZIP code, county or city name.
• Enter your email, your phone number or both.
• Enter your home address, if desired, to get area-specific alerts.

Residents can find their local evacuation zone through Protect Genasys by visiting this link.

The Golden State is no stranger to deadly wildfires and natural disasters fueled by extreme weather.

Just this Monday, residents in Laguna Beach were forced to evacuate with little warning after a brush fire ignited on a hillside, threatening hundreds of homes. Monday also marked six months since the start of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, which destroyed tens of thousands of structures, claimed dozens of lives and force victims to abandon their cars in traffic and flee on foot with flames licking at their heels.

Though fires remain the most likely natural disaster in California, catastrophic flooding has increased in recent years as well.

Last year, flash floods submerged a San Diego neighborhood under eight feet of water as torrential rain pummeled much of the state.

RELATED: Flash Floods Inundate Homes And Overturn Cars In CA: Photos

Eddie Ochoa, a resident of San Diego, said it was just sprinkling when he and his sister went out for breakfast Monday morning. When they returned to their family-owned auto body shop, the entire block was flooded and his sister's parked car had been washed away.

“All that happened within an hour,” Ochoa said. They later found his sister's car about three miles away.

Days later, a storm inundated Los Angeles, triggering hundreds of mudslides in Bel-Air and surrounding communities.

Jesus Barron recalled answering his wife's panicked phone call warning him that a mudslide was smashing into their bedroom in the hills of eastern Los Angeles County. Then, the line went dead.
"She called me and told me the mountain was coming down,” he said at the time “I thought the worst.”

Farther north, in the town of Guerneville, a creek overflowed after more than four inches of rain fell in just 24 hours, prompting the local school district to cancel classes.

According to Listos California, launched by the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, emergencies in California can be triggered by extreme heat, wildfires, wildfire smoke, power outage, fast cold water flooding, earthquakes and severe storms. Californians can learn how to prepare for each type of disaster by visiting this link.

The state offers extensive guidance on how to prepare for and survive a flooding event. Here's how residents are advised to prepare:

• Since flooding is possible after heavy storms or steady rainfall, the state urges families to develop an emergency plan.
• Earmark local government channels and other local news organizations for up-to-date information about conditions in your area.
• Use official TV, radio and county emergency services channels to get the information you need to be safe. Keep listening for updates. Do not leave your home or where you are staying unless authorities tell you it is safe to do so. If you are told to evacuate your area, follow instructions.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts (listoscalifornia.org/alerts) to help you know when to shelter in place.
• Build a "Stay Box" of essential supplies and a "Go Bag" with clothing and other belongings.

"A flash food can develop quickly, happen anywhere, and can sweep away most things in its path," Listos California warns. "Pay attention to weather reports."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.