Each year Oakland Public Works and Department of Transportation prepare to lessen winter storm-related impacts. City crews are: Cleaning storm drains, inlets, and drainage structures; inspecting City facilities for pre-storm maintenance; reviewing and revising disaster plans to prepare for 24/7 response; and coordinating planning efforts with other agencies in the region, including Alameda County. The City has compiled these tips to help Oaklanders prepare, respond and recover from these storms.
PREPARE - BEFORE THE STORM
Sign up for AC Alert
The City of Oakland uses AC Alert to notify residents and business owners about emergencies. Please click on the link at the topof this page to go to the AC Alert home page.
Handling Emergencies
Please click on the button "Handling Emergencies" to learn more about how to prepare for a variety of emergencies, including winter storms. Here are some resources to help you plan for the next storm.
- Winter Storms
- Be Winter Wise
- How To Prepare For A Flood
- Power Outage Preparedness
- Evacuation Preparedness
- American Red Cross Flood Safety Information
Emergency Sandbags & Plastic Sheeting
When heavy rains are forecast, Public Works will provide emergency sandbags (up to 10) and plastic sheeting (up to 20 feet) to Oakland residents and business owners as long as supplies last. Please click on the button "Emergency Sandbags and Plastic Sheeting" for more information about this service, or click here.
Volunteer
Adopt A Drain seeks volunteers to help keep storm drains clear of debris. By keeping storm drain inlets clear, you can help prevent flooding during storms. To learn more about this important program, please click on the button above.
RESPOND - DURING THE STORM
Stay Informed
Alameda County's opt-in emergency alert and warning system, AC Alert, enables officials to provide important information quickly when there is a threat to the health and safety of residents. ALL residents and businesses should opt-in to add cellphone and e-mail information to ensure you receive emergency notifications in a timely manner. Click on "Sirens and Alerts" to how the City of Oakland keeps residents informed!
How to Report Flood-Related or Storm-Related Problems
Please keep these numbers handy for emergencies, and share them with neighbors:
For storm-related emergency issues on public property and in the public right-of-way (such as flooding, mudslides, landslides, and manholes overflowing onto streets and sidewalks), contact OAK 311. Dial 311 from any phone within Oakland or call 510-615-5566.
For non-emergencies, OAK 311 can also be contacted in other ways:
- Email: OAK311@staging.oaklandca.gov
- Online: http://311.staging.oaklandca.gov/
- Mobile App: Seeclickfix or OAK 311, available in the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Androids
For downed power lines or if you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and then call 9-1-1 or PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
For power outage alerts go online to pge.com/outage alerts.
For water service emergencies (e.g., no water service, broken hydrants, broken water main pipes), contact EBMUD at 1-866-403-2683.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1 from a land line or (510) 777-3211 from a cell phone.
RECOVERY - AFTER THE STORM
The U.S. Enviornmental Protection Agency (EPA) has prepared information about recovering from a flood in both English and Spanish. The page may be accessed here: https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/flooding#recover.