Fumbling through files for important papers can be frustrating. But when an emergency strikes, trying to gather up all those documents can be downright frightening.

There is a way around all the late-minute hassle, but it will take some time and a way to organize and contain them so that you can grab and go when a disaster strikes. And, with predictions of more severe weather and flooding this winter due to El Niño, now is a good time to organize your papers.

Container options can range from a fireproof lock box or safe, a safety deposit box or something as simple as a three-ring binder with plastic sleeves into which you can insert the documents.

The list of documents and records you will want to have is long, but will be invaluable after you have evacuated your home.

You will need access to some of these items sooner than others, but all are important enough to include in your "must have" list:

• Vital records: Driver's licenses, birth certificates, adoption papers, Social Security cards, passports, citizenship papers (such as a "green card" or naturalization documents), marriage license, divorce decrees, child custody papers, current military ID, military discharge (DD Form 214), medical and vaccination records for pets along with current photos and ID chip numbers in case you are separated.

•Insurance policies: Homeowners, renters, flood, earthquake, auto, life, health, disability, long-term care; have at least the policy number and insurance company contact information for each type of coverage.

• Property records: Real estate deeds of trust and mortgage documents (at least the two-page settlement statement provided by the title company showing the actual cost of the house and purchase expenses); rental agreement or lease; auto/boat/RV registration and titles; video, photos or a list of household inventory.

• Medical information: Immunization and other medical records, prescription information (drug name and dosage), health insurance identification cards, physician names and phone numbers, powers-of-attorney for health care, and living wills.

• Estate planning documents: Wills, trusts, funeral instructions, powers-of-attorney, attorney names and phone numbers.

• Financial records: First two pages of your previous year's federal and state tax returns, stock and bond certificates, investment records, brokerage and retirement account information, credit card, checking and savings account numbers, contact information for credit unions, banks, financial institutions, credit card companies and financial advisers.

• Other: Personal address book, a letter with instructions for family or friends (for use in a situation where you're not present), backups of important computer files, a list of usernames and passwords for online accounts, a key to your safe deposit box, a recent photograph, fingerprints and dental records for each member of the household (some police stations and nonprofits fingerprint children free);, account and contact information for utilities and other services (you may have to provide a new billing address or cancel certain services), a list of important documents and where originals and copies are located. Those who don’t have the time or ability to gather all of these documents should focus on the most important and most difficult to replace.

In addition, take time now to think about the priceless personal items you would want to protect from danger or take with you if you had to suddenly evacuate your home.

The first step is to take an inventory of your household valuables. Those who wish more complete checklists or guidance on collecting and safeguarding this important information, go to www.ready.gov/financialpreparedness .

If you have lost documents in the Butte or Valley fires, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4240 to learn how to replace them.

Survivors can register for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call  800-621-3362.

Registration ends Nov. 23.

SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $1 million grant to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) to conduct research on the effects of drought and extreme weather on the state’s water resources. 

The study will examine the conditions that contribute to the current drought, looking at the effect decreased water supply and unpredictable water quality have on agriculture, the environment, and the hydropower sector in both urban and rural settings. 

“We’re already seeing the harmful effects of droughts and extreme weather on the environment and economy," said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest. "Our goal in investing in this research is to gain innovative solutions that reduce the risks associated with inadequate drought preparedness.” 

“EPA’s support will enable us to build on lessons from the current drought that can make California and other western states more resilient in a changing climate,” said Ellen Hanak, director of PPIC’s Water Policy Center.

The increased demand on water resources, climate change, population growth and aging water infrastructure systems pose substantial threats to water quality and public health, which are intensified during a drought.  

The grant will examine previous response to drought conditions at the federal, state and local level to determine the most effective and sustainable management system. 

PPIC will also study climate adaptation strategies and develop drought simulations on the outcome of statewide “dry runs” to test the success of a particular approach. 

To conduct the work, PPIC has assembled an interdisciplinary team including experts from UC Davis and several other leading California universities. 

The study will also have an extensive engagement program involving workshops aimed at providing results to policymakers and water quality experts.  

EPA Region 9 is working with all levels of government, tribes, and NGOs to improve sustainable water management in response to the ongoing drought.  This includes identifying tools to build long-term resiliency to future water supply shortfalls. 

Key actions are assisting water utilities to identify and address losses from in their water distribution systems, advancing innovation in wastewater recycling, promoting stormwater capture for non-potable use and to replenish groundwater, and working with industry and consumers to conserve water through efficient fixtures and practices.  

More information about water research grants and recipients can be found at www.epa.gov/research-grants/water-research-grants .

For more information about PPIC visit: http://www.ppic.org/main/home.asp .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – As the holiday season approaches and families gear up for decorating their homes and hosting large gatherings of friends and family, the fire and water restoration professionals at Servpro Industries Inc. chief executive officer. “While glowing candles and elaborate meals set the stage for in the Lakeport area remind homeowners to take note of some sobering statistics about home fire safety.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association:

– Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires. The three peak days for home cooking fires are Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

– Candles fires peak in December. The top three days for candles fires are Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

“These statistics are a serious reminder of how the excitement of holiday entertaining can quickly turn into a life-altering fire or even a tragic injury or death,” said Sue Steen, Servpro Industries Inc. chief executive officer. “While glowing candles and elaborate meals set the stage for a great holiday get-together, homeowners need to exercise extra care in controlling the dangerous potential for fires.”

According to the NFPA3, unattended cooking is by far the leading cause of home cooking fires, with frying posing the greatest fire risk and electric ranges posing a higher risk than gas ranges.

Range top cooking in general started the majority of home cooking fires and caused 86 percent of
related civilian deaths for the reporting period.

While incidents of candle fires peaked in 2001 and have been falling since, candles are still one of the top 10 causes of U.S. home fires, according to the NFPA.

As with cooking fires, unattended or abandoned candles account for a large portion of candle fires –almost 20 percent – but the most frequent cause of candle fires is placing the candle too close to
something that can burn, like curtains, decorations or furniture.

“It’s easy to see why cooking and candle fires both peak during the holiday season,” said Steen, “and it’s also easy to see why homeowners need to take extra care when decorating their homes or entertaining. A moment’s inattention at the stove or a guest repositioning a candle on a tabletop may be all it takes to turn the festivities into a fight to save property and lives. While our business is fire and water damage restoration and we stand ready to help at a moment’s notice if disaster does strike, our sincere hope is that our friends and neighbors will enjoy a fire-free and festive holiday season.”

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Kelseyville Christmas in the Country Merchant Open House & Parade of Lights will take place on Friday, Dec. 4.

Entries for the parade are due by Friday, Nov. 28.

On the night of the event, parade line up will begin at 5 p.m. on Gard Street, with the parade beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The application is below. 

Please remit your application to Kelseyville Business Association, c/o Christmas Parade, 4725 Kokanee Way, Kelseyville, CA 95451.

For more information contact Christi Schofield, 707-349-2448, email [email protected] ; Kathleen Ahart, 707-262-2479, email [email protected] ; or Sinda Knight, 707-355-1009.

Kelseyville Christmas in the Country entry application

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Planning Commission will meet Wednesday, Nov. 18.

The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

The commission will consider proposed revisions to its rules of conduct and operations resolution to correspond to recent actions by the city clerk to standardize the appointment schedule of applicants to the city’s various commissions and advisory group.

Commissioners also will review a proposed minor revision to the Lakeport Zoning Ordinance to increase transparency and streamline permitting processes.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Kelseyville High School wrestling team recently was presented with a generous donation of $2,000 from Clearlake McDonald's restaurant manager Carlos Galvan.

The donation will go toward the purchase of new uniforms and tournament costs for the upcoming season.

“Community support is essential to the success of our program and we are very appreciative of this contribution to our team,” said head Coach Rob Brown.