Prepare for Storm Season

Clears storm drain outfalls around Alameda, e.g., Park Street and Shoreline

Clears storm drains where flooding has occurred in the past

Rechecks storm drain pump station equipment (including backup generators) and clears their trash racks

Rechecks traffic signals’ back-up batteries

Notifies residents of the process to get sandbags and suggests preparations to take

Issues a press release asking residents to call 510-747-7900 (unless it’s after 6:00 pm, then 510-337-8340) for tree and branch failures, traffic signals down, and flooding

Street sweepers alter their typical schedule to pick up as much leaves and debris as possible in high-priority locations to help prevent flooding

Offers up to five free sandbags to residents who can show proof of residency (residents fill sand bags themselves). Supplies are limited.

Rechecks backup generators, loader, chainsaws, chippers, and other equipment to ensure it is fueled and ready

Coordinates with the City’s tree maintenance contractor to confirm crews are available during and after hours for fallen trees and limbs

Lowers lagoons to accept more stormwater

Keeps on-hand enough sandbags, flooding signs, barricades, and temporary stop-signs to deploy during storms

Street sweepers vacuum up water at known flooding locations

There is a pile of leaves and/or other debris in the parking lane

A culvert, inlet, or storm drain appears clogged up with leaves and/or debris

A street tree appears weakened, diseased, or dying

You see malfunctioning traffic signals, downed trees or branches, and/or flooding into a traffic lane

Hire an arborist to inspect trees on private property that appear weakened, diseased, dying, or vulnerable to damage in a storm

Make roof repairs and/or fix leaks before rain begins

Clear gutters of leaves and other debris

Avoid putting leaves and yard waste in the street, as this clogs the storm drains

Consider purchasing flood insurance, if you are a property owner, and/or contents insurance, if you are a renter. These policies often need a 30-day waiting period between purchase and first claimed event.

Have an emergency plan in place for your family, and a dry place for storm supplies. See more at http://www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov/Pages/Home.aspx.

Find out if your homeowners association (HOA) handles maintaining your neighborhood’s culverts, inlets, drains, and/or outfalls; if so, make sure the HOA is preparing the system for the storm season.

Park your vehicles and place your waste containers one foot away from the curb so that stormwater can flow unobstructed.