When the Alhambra Watershed comes alive with the winter rains – we all need to be smart about working with our local environment. Localized flooding, power outages, and downed trees/debris can all be expected as our local soil is already saturated. Preparation is key to weather the weather!
The most important thing to do: stay informed daily about what weather to expect, and prepare before you leave home!
Stay Informed
How to Prepare
- Charge your phone(s). Keep flashlights (and batteries!) handy and skip the candles.
- Visit Ready.gov for information on storm preparedness.
- The American Red Cross is always a great disaster preparedness and response resource at 1-800-RED-CROSS.
- Make sure your car has what you need for the day's weather. If there is flooding, don't drive!
OTHER CITY RESOURCES AND TIPS
Sandbags and Sand
Empty sandbags are available at City Hall, with sand in four locations across the city. Home Depot and Ace Hardware are alternatives.
Empty Sandbags (limit 10):
City Hall – 525 Henrietta Street
Sandbag Filling Stations (bring your own shovel):
- Church Street (located in the church parking lot)
- Rankin Aquatic Center (located in the upper parking lot)
- Ferry & Allen Street
- F Street (west end of F Street off Alhambra Ave)
Sandbag Filling and Use Guide
Who to Call
Life/Safety Emergencies
Call 911.
Downed Power Lines and Gas
If you smell natural gas, see downed power lines, or suspect another emergency, leave the area immediately and call 911. Then, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
Downed Trees in Public Right of Way
Tree limbs and other large debris in roadways and sidewalks should be reported to the Martinez Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 372-3440.
Power Outages
Outage information is available on PG&E's outage map and emergency preparedness safety tips available through PG&E's Safety Action Center.
Driving Safely
Driving through a flooded area puts your vehicle at risk for stalling out and becoming stuck in the water. Do not drive through standing water!
If you are driving and begin to hydroplane in ponding water, immediately take your foot off the accelerator and let your vehicle slow until you regain control. When driving in heavy storm conditions, give yourself plenty of extra time and maintain a safe distance in front of you. If your windshield wipers are on, your headlights MUST be on as well.
Downed Trees
Property owners are reminded that clean-up of privately owned trees and branches is the owner's responsibility, whether the clean-up is on the owner's property or neighboring property, including City property. City trees that have fallen on private property are the responsibility of the City to clear.
Property owners should contact private tree trimming/removal companies, their insurance companies, and utilities directly if their private tree falls and causes damage to their property. Private trees should be properly trimmed and maintained in advance of storm season to prevent tree failure and serious damage to private property during storms.
