Summer ushers in the season of storms, when a monsoon may start quickly and lead to downed power lines and trees, power outages and flooded streets in a matter of minutes. The elderly and homebound individuals are among the most vulnerable during the monsoon. Mesa reminds you to check on those living near you to make sure they stay safe.
"Older adults and others needing assistance should be of great concern to all of us during a monsoon and neighbors can be the best first line of defense," said Mesa Fire Chief Mary Cameli. "We encourage neighbors to get to know and watch out for the older adults in your area, and to protect yourself as well during severe storms."
You can help your older and homebound neighbors by making sure they have sandbags and other supplies available. Also, check to see if they have a backup source for power for medical equipment requiring it or a way to keep refrigerated prescriptions cool during a power outage.
All Mesa residents are encouraged to have an evacuation plan for the most severe instances and have a disaster kit with water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, batteries, medications and first aid supplies. Pet owners should also have a disaster kit for their four-legged friends. Mesa also encourages its residents to stay updated on current weather forecasts.
Sand and empty bags are available at the following locations (bring your own shovel):
Fire Station 202, 830 S. Stapley Drive
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 pre-filled sandbags at the following locations:
Transportation Building, 300 E. 6th St. (west side of building)
East Mesa Service Center, 6935 E. Decatur St. (front parking lot)
For additional storm preparation information and a complete list of contact numbers, visit www.mesaaz.gov/storm.
The City of Mesa also uses Twitter and Facebook to provide updates related to emergency situations. Follow the city on Twitter @cityofmesa and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofMesa.