City advises safety awareness for the first storm of the season
–The first rainstorm of the season with possible heavy winds and rain is in the forecast for this Thanksgiving holiday week. Residents are being advised to watch for flooded streets, use extra caution while driving and watch for downed limbs and trees.
Downed limbs and trees in the streets may be reported by calling the City’s Public Works Department during regular business hours at (805) 470-3148, or Atascadero Police Dispatch at (805) 461-5051, anytime. Residents should always call 911 if the downed tree or situation is an emergency, such as a blocked road or downed power line.
Be ready for possible storm-related power outages by checking flashlight batteries and making sure to have plenty of non-perishable food and water on hand.
To help alleviate possible residential flooding situations, empty sandbags may be purchased by residents at most local hardware stores, sand to fill sandbags is available at Fire Station #1, located on the corner of Lewis Avenue and Traffic Way, but be sure to bring your own shovel.
If you must travel in the wet weather, the Atascadero Police Department advises extra caution. Remember that roadways may be extra slick with the first rainfall. The physics of hydroplaning happens regardless of how new your vehicle may be. If your vehicle feels light and starts to hydroplane, ease off the accelerator, slow down gradually and maintain steering control without making any sudden turning movements. Inevitably, your visibility and reaction times will be reduced because of water on the windscreen, reflections off the roadway, and low light conditions.
Be sure to turn on your headlights, slow down, increase your stopping distance and leave twice as much space as normally required between you and the car ahead.
