October 26, 2019, 8:30 p.m.
PETALUMA SHELTERS OPENING TO SUPPORT MANDATORY EVACUATIONS OF HEALDSBURG, WINDSOR, AND OTHER SONOMA COUNTY COMMUNITIES
Due to concerns about the Kincade fire growing during tonight’s anticipated wind event, the County Sheriff has issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents in several areas of Sonoma County. The Sheriff also announced evacuation warnings for additional areas. See the SoCo Emergency website 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 – please bring current vaccination records
- Petaluma Community Center, 320 N McDowell Blvd
- Limited capacity for pets – please bring current vaccination records
- Vet’s Building, 1094 Petaluma Blvd North
- Limited capacity for small – please bring current vaccination records
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Petaluma People Services will be coordinating volunteers and donations. Current donation needs include small and large animal crates and adult walkers for people with disabilities. These can be dropped off at the Kenilworth Teen Center, 150 Fairgrounds Drive.
There is a particular need for Bilingual (English/Spanish) Volunteers at this time.
To sign up as a volunteer, please send an email to admin@petalumapeople.org, call 707-529-1201, or fill out an application in person at the Kenilworth Teen Center.
Sonoma Water has requested that the community reduce or eliminate outside usage of water in an effort to conserve water until further notice.
POTENTIAL POWER SHUTOFF IN SONOMA COUNTY SATURDAY (10/26) THROUGH MONDAY (10/28)
PG&E has begun to shut off power in Sonoma County. This shut off is planned to continue through 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.
The Power Shutoff will affect traffic signals in some areas of Petaluma. If you encounter traffic signals that are not operating, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
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
The City of Petaluma has activated its Emergency Operations Center. City staff are supporting local shelters and preparing city facilities and infrastructure for impacts of the power shutoffs and sheltering needs.
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 call 2-1-1 or visit https://211sonoma.org/.