Summer time in Arizona ushers in the season of storms, and today marks the opening of monsoon season for the Valley. The City of Mesa, like most Valley cities, has prepared for the monsoon season and would like to remind residents how to be ready when a monsoon strikes.
“As the monsoon moves in to the valley, our fire crews are ready to respond to any emergencies day or night,” Assistant Fire Chief Cori Hayes said. “One way residents can protect their homes from rising waters is with free sand and bags available at five Mesa fire stations.”
Sand and empty bags are available at the following locations (bring your own shovel):
Fire Station 202, 830 S. Stapley Drive
Fire Station 204, 1426 S. Extension Road
Fire Station 205, 730 S. Greenfield Road
Fire Station 209, 7035 E. Southern Ave.
Fire Station 212, 2430 E. Ellsworth Road
The Mesa Transportation Department has sandbags available at the following locations:
Transportation Building, 300 E. 6th St.
East Mesa Service Center, 6935 E. Decatur St.
“At this time of year, we are on full alert for any storm or rainfall activity,” Transportation Director RJ Zeder said. “We monitor weather stations and water-level data closely and if there is a threat of flooding, we make sure we have our equipment staged and ready to roll. We also have employees on standby 24/7 so we can respond quickly to any situations that arise.”
Flooding isn’t the only concern when storms occur. Power outages are also a possibility, and to a lesser extent, natural gas leaks. Residents are reminded to always stay away from downed power lines and to call 911 to report downed lines or a possible natural gas leak or break (the smell of rotten eggs). To report a power outage, City of Mesa customers call (480) 644-2266 and SRP customers call (602) 236-8811.
The City of Mesa also uses Twitter and Facebook to provide updates related to emergency situations. Follow Mesa Fire & Medical on Twitter @MesaFireDept and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MesaFireDept.
For additional storm preparation information and a complete list of contact numbers and social media feeds, visit http://www.mesaaz.gov/residents/emergency and click on the “Sandbags & Storm Preparation” link. Here you will find useful safety tips to protect you and your family before, during and after a storm.
