Heavy rain & strong winds arrive tomorrow, Wednesday, January 4 – Thursday, January 5, 2023. Here are a few things to think about:
STORM PREP:
- Gather extra supplies at home (water, non-perishable food, battery-powered or hand crank radio, flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, cell phone with chargers and backup battery). More info on Emergency Kit lists: https://www.ready.gov/kit
- Plan for pets needs
- Stock up on necessary medications
- Have insurance policies handy (tip: take photos of each room in your home beforehand)
SANDBAGS: Newark residents and businesses, if you feel your home or business is threatened by flooding, the City has sand and sandbags available during business hours at the Newark Service Center located at 37440 Filbert Street. Each resident may be issued up to ten (10) bags to protect their doorways if flood warnings are issued or if flooding is occurring in Newark. Verification of residence and a signature will be required for issuance of the sandbags. More info:
https://www.newark.org/departments/public-works/maintenance-division/flooding-and-sandbags
POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES: Be prepared for possible power outages as well. You can report or view power outages by visiting PG&E
https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outagecenter . In the event of a power outage, be sure to keep freezers and refrigerator doors closed so your food stays cold. You’ll want to also avoid using your gas stove to heat your home. If you are using your gas stove at the time the power goes off, be sure to turn off your gas burner. You’ll want to make sure that your mobile phone and portable power chargers/banks are fully charged and use battery-powered lights such as flashlights instead of candles, which pose a fire hazard. Leave one light plugged in with the switch on so that you can tell when the power is restored.
DOWNED TREES: If the downed tree has caused injuries or is causing immediate danger, dial 9-1-1.
A tree down can be reported directly to the Maintenance Division at 510-578-4806, Mon – Thurs and open Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
After hours – please call the police non-emergency dispatch number at 510-578-4237
Please have the following information ready to report:
- The location of the down tree by street address or street and nearest cross street.
- Has the tree fallen on a vehicle or caused any damage to property?
- Is the down tree blocking the traveled way for vehicles?
- Is it blocking a sidewalk?
- The approximate size of the tree; the diameter of the trunk and the height.
- Was the tree hit by a vehicle or does it appear to have fallen due to natural causes?
DOWNED POWERLINES: Never, ever touch a downed power line or go near one. Power lines are not insulated like power cords. Always assume the power line is live.
- If you see a downed power line or smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and call 911. Then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
- Never touch a downed power line or other equipment
- Don’t touch anything or anyone in contact with a downed power line
- Keep children and pets away from a downed power line
- Don’t drive over a downed power line
ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS/INFORMATION:
- Avoid driving through standing water.
- If possible, avoid travel
- For Bay Area road conditions, call 511 or visit www.511.org
- Alameda County Water District contact info: 510-668-4200 or https://www.acwd.org/ . For water emergencies, 510-668-6500.
- Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District: 510-670-5500 or https://acfloodcontrol.org/
For more information about the storm season, flooding, and sandbags, please visit the City’s website at
https://www.newark.org/residents/storm-season-is-here
