City of Mobile Fully Prepared for Severe Weather

Jun 20th, 2017

"As the rainiest City in America, we prepare for storms 365 days of the year. Our public works crews have been hard at work proactively cleaning our streets and our first responders are trained and ready to respond to any emergency. During the storm, I advise our citizens to stay off the roads if travel is not necessary and to remove any loose debris you see in your yard or neighborhood that could block storm drains." - Mayor Stimpson

City Action:

• Public Works Crews have assessed storm drains and ditches that historically drain slowly during severe rain events.
  
• Crews removed 4 yards of debris from the litter trap.
  
• The Traffic Engineering Department has pre-loaded barricades and street closed signs on vehicles to be deployed as needed.
  
• The City Garage has carefully assessed all equipment needed to clear storm drains.
  
• Any reports of storm drain blockages will be cleared immediately.

Before the Storm:

• If you live in an area that is flood prone, find shelter with a friend.
  
• Electrical appliances should be off the floor.
  
• Objects should be cleared from the floor and from the tops of desks and dressers.
  
• Clean your bathtub and fill it half full with water.
  
• Close all windows tightly. Venetian blinds should be raised all the way to the top. Curtains or drapes should be closed.
  
• Each person should have a flashlight in case of power failure.

During the Storm:

• If travel is not necessary, stay off the roads.
  
• If any roadway passage is questionable, be advised to seek a different route.
  
• Do NOT attempt to drive through standing water.
  
• Do NOT attempt to drive down any closed streets.
  
• People in residential areas are advised to pick up any loose debris they observe in their neighborhood, so it will not end up blocking a storm drain or pipe.
  
• Watch and listen to local news stations as officials will provide vital information through those outlets.

After the Storm:

• Before entering a vehicle, wait at least one hour after rainfall has ended for flooding to subside.
  
• Check for injuries. Do not move a seriously injured person unless he or she is in immediate danger of further injuries. If you need emergency assistance, call 911.
  
• Be aware of any structural damage around you, and if necessary and safe to do so, carefully leave the building.
  
• Always check for hazards including damaged electrical wiring, downed or damaged utility lines. Stay away from downed lines, even if power appears to be off.
  
• Displaced objects may fall when you open the door of cabinets and closets.
  
• Make sure each telephone is on its receiver. Telephones off the hook can tie up the telephone network.
  
• Clean up potentially harmful materials or medicines that may have spilled.