Help Prepare Our Island

Published on October 07, 2019

website_splashicon.png

Help Prepare Our Island

Here’s what you need to know to prepare for an extreme weather event

Last fall, we all felt the impacts from wildfires in the north, as toxic air was trapped in the Bay for days on end. Climate change and extreme weather events are a threat to us all. The City of Alameda recently adopted a Climate Action & Resiliency Plan to address the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on our island. Here are five steps you can take to prepare for wildfires, earthquakes, storms, and tsunamis:

#1 GET ALERT NOTIFICATIONS

The City of Alameda uses AC Alert to send emergency notifications by phone, text, and email. Sign up today to make sure you are notified during an emergency at: acgov.org/emergencysite.

Here are other ways to receive alert notifications:

 

Please share information. Many people get their information from friends, family, and neighbors, so be sure to share the information you receive with others.

#2 PREPARE FOR A PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUT-OFF

The risk of a wildfire in Alameda is very low. However, a public safety power shut-off could impact AMP customers. Though AMP maintains and operates the distribution and transmission grid inside of the City of Alameda, the larger transmission grid brings AMP’s power to Alameda, and some of those transmission lines run through high-threat fire areas.

If large transmission lines are de-energized to protect from the threat of fire, AMP may need to shut off power to help the greater electric grid. Depending on how severe the event is, this could mean rolling blackouts or power shutoffs in Alameda.

Here’s what to expect:

  • When possible, PG&E will aim to notify AMP 48 hours, 24 hours, and before a shut down
  • The City and AMP will use alert notifications to provide ongoing updates
  • After the extreme weather is over, lines will be inspected before power is restored
  • Depending on how severe the extreme weather event is, power could be out for several days. It is important that you have a plan in place for your household
  • For more information, visit: www.alamedamp.com/338/Public-Safety-Power-Shutoffs or visit PG&E at: www.prepareforpowerdown.com

For neighborhood power outages, check AMP’s website at: www.alamedamp.com and bookmark AMP’s Facebook and Twitter pages at:    www.facebook.com/AlamedaMuniPower and twitter.com/AlamedaMuniPwr.

#3 PREPARE YOUR HOUSEHOLD

Whether you are preparing for an earthquake or a power outage, most of the basics are the same. Find videos, checklists, and more information at: www.alamedaca.gov/prepare.

  • Food and water
    • Be sure to have a 3-day supply of both, and don’t forget about your pets
  • Medication, first aid, and important documents
    • Include a first-aid kit, medicines, warm clothes, and copies of your important information in an emergency kit
  • Flashlights, radios, and phones
    • When possible, have spare batteries for these devices
  • Household appliances and devices
    • Be sure you know how to open your garage with no power, and freeze a block of ice to keep things cold for longer in your refrigerator                      

#4 PREPARE FOR A STORM

Throughout the year, the City follows a preventive maintenance schedule to help the stormwater system operate effectively during storm season. In the months before storm season, additional work is done to clear storm drain outfalls and re-check equipment.

Two days before a severe storm, the City will issue a press release asking residents to report tree and branch failures, traffic signal issues, and flooding. Our street sweepers may alter their typical schedule to help prevent flooding, and free sandbags are offered to residents.

Call the City at 510-747-7900 to report if:

  • There is a pile of leaves and/or other debris in the street
  • A culvert, inlet, or storm drain appears clogged
  • A street tree appears weakened, diseased, or dying
  • You see malfunctioning traffic signals, downed trees or branches, and/or flooding into a traffic lane

The City’s Public Works Department operates seasonal sandbag stations to help residents prepare for storm season at two locations:

Lexington Street at W Tower Avenue: For assistance loading sandbags, Public Works Department staff will be available on Mondays and Fridays from 12-1 pm during the month of November and on Saturday, November 23, from 8 am to 12 noon. Please note that this sandbag station is typically closed during storms, as staff are occupied with storm-related service requests from the public, Alameda Police Department, and others.

950 W Midway Avenue: A self-serve sandbag station will also be available in the courtyard at the back of City Hall West. 

Learn more about the City’s efforts during storm season at: www.alamedaca.gov/storms.

#5 HELP REDUCE THE IMPACTS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE

Help prevent extreme weather events by reducing your carbon footprint. Learn more at: www.alamedaca.gov/climateplan.

Tagged as:
Back to top