Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety
For Immediate Release: January 4, 2023
Issued by: J. P. Pritchard- Community Engagement Liaison
[email protected] 707-584-2691
The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety acknowledges the upcoming safety challenges related to the Pineapple Express storm. Understanding that several atmospheric river events will bring heavy rains and strong winds to the entire North Bay region through the end of this week, we want our community to be safe and prepared. Because our ground is already saturated from last week’s rain, we want our community members to be especially alert to the following:
· The storm may cause flash flooding and downed trees.
· Power outages are likely through early Friday morning.
· Rapid ponding of water and poor drainage in urban areas.
· Streets may become too flooded for standard vehicles to travel through safely, increasing traffic congestion and forcing alternative routes throughout the city.
Never fear- Public works and Public Safety personnel are preparing to respond to road closures, blocked storm drains, and related debris falling on the streets and sidewalks if needed.
Below are some tips to help prepare for this week’s storm.
AT HOME:
We urge all Rohnert Park residents to ensure the safety of yourselves and our community by:
· Clear Gutters and Storm Drains - Keep drainage areas and pipes around your property clear of debris that could cause flooding.
· Check on Your Neighbors, Friends, and Family - Especially those who may be vulnerable in an emergency.
· Get Supplies - Make sure you have drinking water, flashlights, and other essentials on hand before the rain begins Wednesday morning.
· Turn Off Power and Gas - If your property is in imminent danger of flooding, please call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to request that your power and natural gas be shut off or for guidance on how to do it yourself.
· Use Sandbags - Sandbags can help protect areas where water can enter your living space. Get free sandbag supplies from the City of Rohnert Park in the parking lot of the Callinan Sports Center before and during heavy rain events.
· Move Valuables - Move furniture, necessary paperwork, and valuables to higher areas of your dwelling to minimize damage.
ON THE ROAD:
· Avoid unnecessary travel
· Downed Trees and Power Lines - This storm may bring down trees/branches along with power lines. Stay clear of and do not approach downed power lines.
· ALWAYS Use 911 to report downed power lines.
· Use Caution - Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists should use caution when traveling on the roadways. Most flooding deaths during a storm occur in a vehicle. DO NOT attempt to drive through flooded areas to avoid severe injury or death, and don’t become part of the problem for first responders by getting stranded unecessarily.
· If street lights are out, please treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.
· Take it Slow - The Public Safety Department is advising all drivers that speed limits are set for normal driving conditions and should be reduced during inclement weather. Drive slowly if you see public safety personnel performing traffic control or clearing storm debris.
· PLEASE Always move to the right of the roadway when emergency vehicles are approaching to assist someone in crisis. Your diligence in this matter can save someone’s life, as EVERY minute counts.
· Don't Tailgate - Leaving space between yourself and the car in front of you is always a good idea during a storm.
· Pay Attention to Signs - Drivers should not pass road closure or flooding signs. Water is often much deeper than it appears, and you could quickly find yourself in an emergency.
· Wipers On, Lights On - Reminder when using windshield wipers, drivers are required to have their headlights on per the California Vehicle Code.
STAY INFORMED:
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts - for the most up-to-date emergency information from the City of Rohnert Park, please visit:
City of Rohnert Park - https://www.rpcity.org/city_hall/departments/public_works/storm_season_information_and_resources
Sonoma County - https://socoemergency.org/get-ready/sign-up/socoalert/
Subscribe to receive Nixle alerts by texting your zip code to 888777
Follow Us on Social Media
o Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RohnertParkPoliceFire/
o Instagram - https://www.facebook.com/RohnertParkPoliceFire/
o Nextdoor - https://nextdoor.com/city/feed/?
o Twitter – https://twitter.com/RohnertParkDPS
Tune-In to Local Commercial Radio Stations - Tune in to KZST 100.1, KSRO AM 1350, KCBS AM 740, KBBF 89.1 (Spanish), local television stations, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio (frequencies 146.460 or 146.535) for Watch and Warning Bulletins and any corresponding emergency instructions.
REPORT PROBLEMS AND HAZARDS
· Report roadway flooding, dangerous road conditions, obstructions, or fallen power lines to the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety - 707-584-2612
· To turn off gas or electricity, call PG&E – at 1-800-743-5000
· PG&E - Call PG&E to get information about or to turn off your gas or electricity: 1-800-743-5000
Visit the city website at www.rpcity.org for additional emergency information and free sandbag resources.
