LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Police Department is urging community members to take steps to be prepared by assembling emergency supply kits.

With Clear Lake remaining in flood stage, many people have been forced to evacuate their homes. The lake level may increase more, but in any case it will not decrease rapidly.

If your home is at risk for flooding, police encourage you to put together an emergency supply kit and keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you if you have to evacuate. Plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time.

Each person should have a readily accessible emergency supply kit. Backpacks work great for storing these items – except food and water – and are quick to grab.

Storing food and water in a tub or chest on wheels will make it easier to transport. Keep it light enough to be able to lift it into your car.

Emergency supply kit checklist

• Three-day supply of nonperishable food and three gallons of water per person.
• Map marked with at least two evacuation routes.
• Prescriptions or special medications.
• Change of clothing.
• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses.
• An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks.
• First aid kit.
• Flashlight.
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.).
• Don’t forget pet food and water!

Items to take if time allows:

• Easily carried valuables.
• Family photos and other irreplaceable items.
• Personal computer information on hard drives and disks.
• Chargers for cell phones, laptops, etc.

Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.