October 26, 2019, 3:30 p.m.
PETALUMA SHELTERS OPENING TO SUPPORT MANDATORY EVACUATIONS FOR TOWN OF WINDSOR AND CITY OF HEALDSBURG
Due to concerns about the Kincaide fire growing during tonight’s anticipated wind event, the County Sheriff has issued a mandatory evacuation for residents living in the Town of Windsor and the City of Healdsburg. The Sheriff also announced evacuation warnings for additional areas. See the Sheriff announcement for additional info about evacuation warnings.
To support evacuees, Petaluma has opened shelters at the following locations:
- Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive
- RV parking available, Lot B
- Livestock stalls available
- Please call before bringing Livestock or RV – 707-283-3247
- Accepting evacuees with pets
- Petaluma Community Center, 320 N McDowell Blvd
- Limited capacity for pets
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Petaluma People Services will be coordinating volunteers and donations. While we understand that Petalumans stand ready to help, we ask that you stay home and take care of your family, neighbors, and friends. As soon as we need volunteers or any donations, we will send out additional information. To sign up to volunteer please send an email to admin@petalumapeople.org or call 707-529-1201. At this time, we do not need donations, however, if you would like to donate new, unused items, please take them to Kenilworth Teen Center located at 150 Fairgrounds Dr.
Sonoma Water has requested that the community reduce or eliminate outside usage of water in an effort to conserve water. This request is in place until further notice.
POTENTIAL POWER SHUTOFF IN SONOMA COUNTY SATURDAY (10/26) THROUGH MONDAY (10/28)
PG&E expects to shut off power in Sonoma County starting as soon as 4 p.m. on Saturday (10/26), Sunday (10/27), and Monday (10/28). Current maps indicate that Petaluma’s west side will be most affected. Residents and businesses can visit PG&E’s website to determine if they will be impacted by the power shut off by looking up their addresses. Even if you are not shown to be impacted by the planned power shutoff, we urge you to stay alert and prepare as the anticipated weather may damage infrastructure and lead to expanded power interruptions.
WEATHER UPDATE
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Fire Weather Red Flag Warning and a high wind watch in effect from 8pm on Saturday to 11am on Monday. This event is anticipated to reach historic levels. Winds are expected to reach 70 to 80 mile per hour in the mountain areas with winds at 40 to 50 miles per hour in the valley areas.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
City of Petaluma staff will be busy supporting local shelters and will continue monitoring the situation and preparing city facilities and infrastructure for potential power shutoffs, sheltering and potential fire impacts.
For up-to-date emergency information, tips for using generators, driving during a power shutoff, and other important safety and health information, visit the Sonoma County Emergency Website or review the Fact Sheet. For support and information via phone dial 2-1-1.