Oct 24 2019
The Piedmont Civic Association is a volunteer organization dedicated to providing community news on local civic topics.
Oct 24 2019
A Guide to Protecting Refrigerated and Frozen Foods in a Power Outage
Don’t Open the Doors
The simplest and most basic way to help your food survive an extended power outage is to keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. According to the USDA, in a power outage, a refrigerator will stay cold for up to four hours, and a freezer will keep its temperature for 24 hours if it is half-full and 48 hours if it is full. When power returns, it is tempting to open the refrigerator and check the food, but it is better to wait until the interior temperature is once more below 40 degrees, which will take hours. Opening the doors prematurely will delay a return to normal refrigeration and can cause unnecessary additional food spoilage.
Put A Separate Thermometer in Your Refrigerator and Freezer
Many refrigerators only have settings to raise or lower the temperature, but don’t provide an actual temperature reading. Keeping appliance thermometers inside your refrigerator and freezer allows you to monitor for proper cooling. Your refrigerator should be at or below 40 ºF, and your freezer at or below 0 ºF. Many refrigerators only have settings to raise or lower the temperature, but they don’t provide an actual temperature reading.
Keep Bottles of Water in Your Freezer
Keeping frozen bottles of water in your freezer will help keep frozen food cold longer, but will also provide a supply of fresh drinking water.
If a Power Outage is Announced, Group Frozen Food
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends tightly compacting your freezer food if you are anticipating a power outage. This will help keep your food colder for a longer period of time.
If Announced Power Outage will be More Than 4 Hours, Transfer Foods to Freezer
Milk, meat, poultry and leftovers can be frozen and will defrost quickly when needed. A freezer will keep its temperature for 24 hours if it is half-full and 48 hours if it is full.
Put Bags of Ice in Your Freezer
Making bags of ice will help maintain in Your Freezer’s temperature.
Buy Dry Ice when a Power Outage is Announced
Fifty pounds of dry ice will keep your freezer cold for up to two days.
Grill Food that is Thawing
Food that is beginning to thaw but is still at a safe temperature, can be cooked on the grill. Use a food thermometer to make sure each item is cooked to a safe internal temperature to kill any food-borne bacteria. The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends a temperature of 145º F for beef, veal, lamb, pork and ham. Poultry and ground meat mixtures should be cooked to 165º F
Further information available here.
Oct 12 2019
By October 11, 2019, all power had been restored to Piedmont properties. Many Piedmonters did not see the need for the shut off, others who had endured devastating fires in the past welcomed the precaution. Most of Piedmont did not have a loss of power. Properties at a higher elevation were impacted by the shut off.
Some vigorous complaints came from those not losing power. Their electricity was on, but Comcast/ Xfinity services were off – no television, internet, or phones. Comcast offered no explanation as to why their service was eliminated in areas that continued to have power.
The power shut off event provided a significant indication of what could happen during a major earthquake or other emergencies. Piedmonters filled their bathtubs with water, readied their grab and go bags, and found ways to light the darkness.
HELP FOR ALL PIEDMONTERS
Piedmont’s Emergency Preparedness Committee has produced an extremely useful brochure, Get Ready! Piedmont, to inform Piedmonters about advantageous actions related to emergencies.
The handbook is linked below and can also be obtained in hard copy through the Piedmont Fire Department.
Oct 8 2019
As of October 8, 2019, the entire City of Piedmont is under a RED FLAG WARNING along with a large portion of the state.
CalFire has implemented a burn ban for our area.
Piedmont Police and Fire Departments will be patrolling the community enforcing the burn ban and to ensure roads are kept clear during this event. Please park your vehicles in your driveway to keep the roads clear.
[Those who park their vehicles in a garage with an electrified garage door may not be able to open their garage door if the power is off. Suggestions have been made to either leave the garage door open or park vehicles outside of the garage to allow full use of the vehicles.]
October 8th is the anniversary of the Tubbs Fire in 2017 which decimated Napa, Sonoma, and Lake Counties, inflicting the greatest damage on the City of Santa Rosa. It was the most destructive wildfire in California’s history, until the Camp Fire. We face similar fire conditions in the next few days here in Piedmont; strong winds will combine with warm, dry air blowing from the north.
Please remain vigilant for these hazards:
- If you see smoke or fire LEAVE THE AREA and call 911. DO NOT wait to be evacuated. Keep some basic supplies in your vehicle, so you can leave immediately if you feel threatened.
- PG&E has announced a preemptive Public Safety Power Shutoff due to the wind. Piedmont has several areas within the affected zones. You should be prepared for extended power disruption, up to 5 days. Visit PGE.com for details on affected neighborhoods or call 866-743-6589.
- The wind will be a major safety hazard causing damage to trees and utility infrastructure. There will likely be additional unplanned power disruptions. We are asking all Piedmont residents to be aware of your surroundings while driving or walking in our town. You should look for leaning or broken trees or power poles and avoid the area. Traffic signals could also be impacted and drivers need to treat these intersections as a four-way stop if the traffic signal is out.
The Piedmont Fire, Police, and Public Works Departments have additional emergency personnel on duty and will be in a heightened state of readiness during this event. The wind is expected to subside late on Thursday, October 10th. Power disruptions could be protracted depending on the degree of damage to PG&E utilities.
Please visit our City of Piedmont website for more information. Keep in mind when the power is disrupted your internet may not work….so DON’T WAIT. This is also a great time to update your family’s disaster preparedness. Please look at this list for guidance.
Piedmont’s Emergency Preparedness Booklet > PCA 1019 get-ready-piedmont
—- Emergency Supply Kit —-
To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)
Additional Emergency Supplies
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Glasses and contact lense solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
-
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Oct 8 2019
PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff to begin at Noon on Wednesday, October 9th
Parts of Piedmont To Be Affected
Pacific Gas and Electric Company has confirmed their intent to conduct a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) which will include portions of Piedmont as early as Wednesday, October 9th at 12:00 Noon and could last for up to 5 days. Other power outages may occur as a result of this wind event. All Piedmonters are advised to be prepared for power outages during this wind event, which may or may not be proactive Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).
Based upon information provided by PG&E it appears that all or portions on the following streets in Piedmont will most likely be included in this PSPS:
Blair Avenue
Blair Place,
Calvert Court
Cambrian Avenue
Cavanagh Court
Cavendish Lane
Crest Road
Croydon Circle
Estates Drive
Farragut Avenue
Glen Alpine Road
Hampton Road
Huntleigh Road
Indian Road
King Avenue
La Salle Avenue
Lexford Road
Marlborough Court
Sandringham Place
Sandringham Road
Sea View Avenue
Selborne Drive
Somerset Road
Sotelo Avenue
St. James Circle
St. James Drive
St. James Place
Trestle Glen Road
Tyson Circle
Valant Place
It is probable that electricity to all residences, businesses, schools, mobile phone towers, and public facilities in the affected area may be turned off. The City of Piedmont has no additional details as to whether individual homes or businesses will be affected by the PSPS. Piedmonters are among the up to 750,000 PG&E customers in 32 counties who will be affected by this event.
PG&E will attempt to alert affected customers through calls and texts messages just before power is shut off. They will also use their web site and social media channels to provide information and will keep local news and radio outlets informed and updated.
Residents and businesses who are enrolled in East Bay Community Energy will be affected by these Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
The City of Piedmont has plans in place to ensure that emergency services and public safety are maintained during a Public Safety Power Shutoff, but affected residents will need to be self-reliant for a period of time.
For more information on how to be prepared for emergencies, please see the Public Safety Committee’s Get Ready, Piedmont brochure.
>PCA 1019 get-ready-piedmont
During a Public Safety Power Shutoff, please call 911 to report any emergencies which occur. Please hold non-emergency calls until after the after the PSPS event has concluded.
Oct 8 2019
PG&E Announces Possible Public Safety Power Shutoff Affecting Piedmont
Pacific Gas and Electric Company has announced that they may conduct a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) which could include Piedmont as early as Wednesday, October 9, 2019 and could last for several days.
Should this occur, it means that electricity to all residences, businesses, schools, mobile phone towers, and public facilities in the affected area may be turned off. This Public Safety Power Shutoff event may affect PG&E Customers in 29 counties.
The City of Piedmont will provide additional information when it becomes available.
PG&E proactively turns off electrical lines in the interest of safety to help reduce the likelihood of an ignition when extreme fire danger conditions are forecasted.
To be ready for a Public Safety Power Shutoff event, please take the following steps.
1. Make sure PG&E has your current contact information. Update your contact information with PG&E online or call (866) 743-6589.
2. Check and update your emergency kit and supplies (include hard copies of critical information and life-saving prescriptions).
3. Identify a place you can go to cool off, if necessary
4. Have a back-up charging system for cell phones and keep devices fully charged at all times.
5. Learn how to manually open your garage door.
6. Keep cash on hand (credit/debit stations, and ATMs may be without power).
7. Learn more about Public Safety Power Shutoffs in your area and work with your neighbors to make sure everyone is ready.
8. Stay informed during disasters and sign up for alerts. PG&E will attempt to reach customers through calls, texts and emails using the contact information they have on file for your account. PG&E will also use their web site and social media channels, and we will keep local news and radio outlets informed and updated.
Residents and businesses who are enrolled in East Bay Community Energy will be affected by these Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
The City of Piedmont has plans in place to ensure that emergency services are maintained during a Public Safety Power Shutoff, but affected residents will need to be self-reliant for a period of time.
For more information on how to be prepared for emergencies, please see the Public Safety Committee’s Get Ready, Piedmont brochure.
During a Public Safety Power Shutoff, please call 911 to report any emergencies which occur.
The City of Piedmont has implemented plans to ensure that emergency services are maintained during a Public Safety Power Shutoff. Please hold non-emergency calls until after the after the PSPS event has concluded. Attached to this release are information documents from PG&E and East Bay MUD regarding Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
Piedmont Contact: John O. Tulloch -October 7, 2019 – (510) 420-3040
PCA 1019 Public-Safety-Power-Shutoff-Fact-Sheet
PCA 1019 water_Fact_Sheet_-_071019-FINAL-web
Sep 30 2019
The City of Piedmont is soliciting resident feedback regarding the City’s use of Public Safety Cameras. This survey is an important next step to accomplish the goal of seeking additional community feedback and is essential within the scope of the City Council’s decision making process.
The City of Piedmont is in the process of evaluating and considering a Public Safety Camera program. The evaluation has taken the form of a pilot program which has been in process since September of 2017. The Piedmont Police Department, in partnership with the Public Safety Committee, has held several community and neighborhood meetings on this topic.
Please click on the link below to begin the survey. The City of Piedmont thanks you for your time and input.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cityofpie…
For more information, please contact Chief of Police Jeremy Bowers at (510) 420-3010
Sep 24 2019
The Public Safety Committee will meet on:
Thursday, September 26, 2019
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Council Chamber of City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue.
The meeting will not be broadcast or archived. Minutes of the meetings are kept.
The meeting will begin with a Public Forum when the public can address the committee with comments on items not on the agenda.
Public comments are allowed on all of the agenda items listed below.
Regular Agenda
- Approval of Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes for 7/25/19 >PCA Public Safety 2019-07-25 DRAFT
- Update on Public Safety Cameras
- Update on Crime Report
- Update on School Liaison Activities
- Update on Police Department Outreach Program Recent & Upcoming Events · National Night Out · Annual Car Show · Trunk or Treat
- Update on Shakeout Exercise
- Update on Fire Prevention Week
- Update on New Fire Engine
Members of the committee:
- Shanti Brien
- Lori Elefant
- Jeffrey Horner
- Chris Houlder
- Garrett Keating
- Lynne Wright | Chair
- Amal Smith | School District Appointment
- Chief of Police Jeremy Bowers | jbowers@piedmont.ca.gov | (510) 420-3010
- Fire Chief Bret Black | bblack@piedmont.ca.gov | (510) 420-3038
Sep 17 2019
Piedmont Police Department Car Show:
Piedmont 2nd Annual Car Show. Come out and support our community and meet your local officers.
Saturday, Sept 21, 2019
711 Highland Avenue, Piedmont Community Center parking lot.
from 10 am to 3 pm.
Any questions or if you would like to bring a vehicle contact Officer Petit tpetit@piedmont.ca.gov
Sep 17 2019
Join the fun! Tasting, art work, scarecrows, free goodies, food for purchase, music…….
Piedmont Harvest Festival – in its 21th year!
The event takes place at the Community Hall and Piedmont Park from 11 am – 3 pm.
Carnival Games • Jazz Festival
Scarecrow Art Show & Auction • Fine Arts & Crafts Show
Farmer’s Market • Locally Grown Edibles Awards
Gourmet Food Trucks
Food • Fresh Local Lemonade
Alcohol-free Event • Free Admission
Sunday, September 22, 2019
11:00AM – 3:00PM
Piedmont Park & Community Hall
Enter your produce and tasty items:
Harvest Festival Flyer 2019
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