Storm Preparation

The Mesa Fire Department would like to remind all residents that with the warning of bad weather upon us it is time to ensure you are prepared for any storm related incidents. The Mesa Fire Department has sand available. Please bring your own shovel. Fill the bags one-half to two-thirds full. The bag, when filled, should lie fairly flat. Over-filled bags are firm and do not nestle into one another; tight bags make for a leaky sandbag wall. Tying bags is not necessary. We currently have bags available at the following stations.

Thunder Storms and Lightning:

• If you can hear thunder then you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
• Go to a sturdy building or a hard-topped vehicle. You should remain in this shelter 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard.
• Telephone lines conduct electricity, so avoid using the phone during a storm.
• Metal pipes also conduct electricity; so avoid taking showers and baths or using running watering during a storm.
• Bring pets indoors because lightning is very scary for them and they are likely to panic and run away.

High Winds:

• Arizona thunderstorm winds often exceed 40 mph and straight-line winds can exceed 100 mph.
• Move in to a central interior room away from windows to avoid blowing debris that could shatter windows.
• If you are driving in high winds reduce speed and anticipate steering correction when moving from protected to unprotected wind areas or when encountering large passing vehicles.
• Be aware of high profile vehicles; trucks, semis, buses, campers, or those towing a trailer because they can be unpredictable during high wind conditions.
• There is also a need to evaluate large trees close to your home as a hazard due to the ground being highly saturated and high winds.

Floods:

• Nearly half of all flood fatalities are vehicle related (National Weather Service). Never drive into a flooded roadway.
• It is extremely difficult to estimate the depth of running water or the strength of a current.
• Never drive around barricades. They are there for a reason-usually because flooding is anticipated or already happening. In addition, the road could be damaged and unsafe for drivers.
• It only takes 1 to 2 feet of water to float most vehicles, including SUVs.
• Never allow children to play near washes or storm drains after any rainfall. Children can be swept away.

Downed Power Lines:

• Across a roadway:
  • Consider any downed power line energized and dangerous. Never touch a downed power line or anything close to a downed power line. High voltage can travel through the ground. Stay at least 100 feet away from any downed lines.
• Across a vehicle:
  • If the vehicle is occupied, stay in the vehicle until professional help arrives.
  • Avoid contact with metal surfaces both inside and outside the vehicle.
  • If there is a fire in the vehicle, jump from the vehicle landing on both feet. Hop away, keeping both feet in contact with each other until you are at least 100 feet from the vehicle.

Additional Information:

• Residents should also check flat roofs for any debris that might be clogging the down spouts of the structure.
• The Public Safety Communications Center is utilizing the technology available to them such as 800MHz radio, the CAD system, and continuous training of staff to efficiently deal with the affects of monsoon season. Back-up plans are in place to address unusual events such as power or telephone outages, etc.
• During a monsoon storm calls in to the Public Safety Communications Center more than double.
• One of the difficulties faced during the monsoon season is that residents will call 9-1-1 to find out about the status of their power outage.
• It is appropriate to call for electrical emergencies, but 9-1-1 will not know any information when it comes to duration of outages.
• Precious time is spent referring citizens to the appropriate electric company. Keep these numbers handy:
  • SRP 602-236-8888 to report a power outage
  • SRP 602-236-8811 to report downed power lines or electrical emergency
  • City of Mesa Electrical emergencies (power outages, lines down, transformer sparking)
    • (480)-644-2265 during regular business hours, M-F 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. excluding holidays
    • (480)-644-2262 after hours-weekends, nights, and holidays
• For more information visit the National Weather Service site at http://www.weather.gov/