Get ready, Novato! As the winter storm season approaches, now is the time to prepare for potential storm impacts. Review helpful tips, resources, and best practices to help you and your family get ready, stay informed, and stay safe throughout the storm season. During an active storm, residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. If you must travel, please adhere to emergency signage and proceed cautiously.
Important Reminders
- Traffic Light Outages: If a traffic signal is out, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.
- Flooded Streets & Downed Trees: Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Report downed trees and flooding by calling Novato Public Works at 415.899.8280. Weekends or after 5pm: call Novato Police non-emergency line at 415.897.4361.
- Call 9-1-1 only in an emergency. First Responders are actively engaged in storm-related response and safety efforts.
Power Outages & Downed Powerlines
- Updates and Reporting: use PG&E's Power Outage Map. Do not call 9-1-1 to report power outages.
- Outage Alerts: Sign up to receive outage alerts directly from PG&E via their website to ensure the most accurate and up to date information about potential outages affecting their area.
- Downed Powerlines: Stay away and remain in your home or car. First, call 9-1-1 and then call PG&E at 1.877.660.6789.
Prepare Now (Before the storm)
- Home Readiness: Clear leaves, pine needles, and debris from rain gutters, downspouts, and neighborhood storm drains.
- Devices: Charge mobile devices, power banks, and flashlights.
- Prep Essentials: Secure non-perishable food, drinking water, and essential supplies for 3–5 days.
- Emergency Plans: Review your family emergency and evacuation plan.
- New Sandbag Locations: To help our community prepare for the rainy season, the City of Novato has three sandbag filling stations. Limit 10 per household. You must supply your own labor, shovels and support. If you are physically unable to fill the bags, contact Public Works at 415.899.8280 during business hours to schedule a time to pick up prefilled bags.
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- City of Novato Corporation Yard: 550 Davidson Street
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- Dogbone Meadow Parking Lot: 3015 Novato Blvd
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- Hamilton Theater Parking Lot: 507 S Palm Drive
Evacuation Alerts
- Mandatory Evacuation: GO NOW Leave immediately. Danger is imminent. Grab essentials and go.
- Evacuation Warning: BE READY Pack your bags, secure pets, and prepare to leave at a moment's notice.
- Shelter in Place: STAY INSIDE Go indoors, close all doors and windows, and wait for instructions.
- Road Closure: DO NOT ENTER Road is impassable or closed to non-emergency traffic. Use alternate routes.
- All Clear: SAFE TO RETURN The danger has passed. You may safely return home.
Stay Connected & Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
- Nixle: Text your zip code to 888-777 or visit nixle.com
- Stay Connected: Follow the City of Novato and Novato Police Department’s official social media channels for updates, and to sign up for email notifications at novato.gov/connectwithus.
