Everyone in Alameda deserves a giant round of applause and a big hug following the sinkhole this past week. An even larger thank you goes out to the Oakland Public Works crew who worked tirelessly through the weekend to complete the urgent repairs ahead of schedule. Now that the repair work is complete, we want to make sure you are connected with the City of Alameda before another major event or emergency.

Here are five ways to learn more about what is happening in Alameda.

NIXLE

Nixle enables us to send real-time alerts and advisories to residents and businesses through text, email, voice messages and a mobile app. In Alameda, around 8,000 people are signed up to receive Nixle alerts.

To sign up, please text your ZIP code to 888777 or register online at www.nixle.com. You can also register for important Alameda County alerts by going to http://www.acgov.org/emergencysite/.

ONLINE

The City of Alameda updates its website with alerts at www.alamedaca.gov/alerts. We also post updates on social media. Be sure to follow the city on Facebook and Twitter. Other important pages to follow are the Police Department, Fire Department, Alameda Municipal Power, ARPD, the Library, and FAAS. The city also posts regular updates on Nextdoor.

Like the Alameda Journal Facebook page for neighborhood news and conversation from Alameda and beyond.

City website: https://alamedaca.gov/

City Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cityofalameda

City Twitter: https://twitter.com/CityofAlameda

Police Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlamedaPD/

Police Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlamedaPD

Fire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alameda-Fire-Department-174511785980658/

Fire Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlamedaFireDept

AMP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlamedaMuniPower/

AMP Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlamedaMuniPwr

ARPD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playARPD/

ARPD Twitter: https://twitter.com/PlayArpd

Library Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alamedafreelibrary/

Library Twitter: https://twitter.com/alamedafree

FAAS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FAAS09/

FAAS Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlamedaShelter

REPORT ISSUES

If you identify an issue, please report it! SeeClickFix is a mobile app and website that allows residents to send the city information about any issue that need fixing. If you spot an issue, from illegal dumping to cracks in the sidewalk, please let us know about it. If you download the app to your mobile phone, it allows you to take a photo of the issue, and it identifies where the issue is located with your GPS. If you choose to access SeeClickFix online, you can enter all the same information.

If you spot something that requires urgent attention, like a sinkhole, please call the Public Works hotline at 510-747-7390. You can also call the non-emergency Police Department at 510-337-8340 and the Fire Department at 510-337-2100. For all emergencies, please call 911.

HAVE A PLAN

As we just experienced with the temporary tube closure, we need to be prepared with alternative routes so we can still get where we need to go. Alameda has a lot of transportation options. Check out bus, ferry, and bike routes so you are ready when a different mode of transportation may be your best option.

In Alameda, the Fire Department coordinates our emergency management and disaster preparedness program, working with the Fire and Police departments, city staff, partner agencies, businesses, and citizens to prepare for, respond to, and successfully recover from natural or manmade disasters when they strike. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a city program that provides training to Alameda residents and employees to increase self-sufficiency in a disaster. Around 2,000 Alamedans have completed the free course, which is taught in six class sessions. The next round of classes start on April 12. To register, please visit www.alamedaca.gov/emergency- info/cert.

Like the Alameda Journal Facebook page for neighborhood news and conversation from Alameda and beyond.

Last year, the city and the school district partnered to Prepare Our Island, offering a set of tips your household can use to be better prepared in an emergency. Please visit www.alamedaca.gov/prepare to learn more.

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

Many of us spend a lot of time with our virtual friends and family – but don’t forget to get to know your neighbors in real life and share important information to help get the word out. During an emergency, be sure to check in with neighbors to make sure they are ok, especially older neighbors and those who might need additional assistance. And don’t forget about neighborhood pets! Let’s work together to make sure our furry friends are also taken care of during an emergency.

Our caring community members make Alameda an incredible place to live and work. The tube closing slowed us down for sure, but everyone worked together to minimize the impacts. If you worked from home, took an alternative route, used transit, left a little early, or alerted others; thank you!!

Sarah Henry is the public information officer for the city of Alameda. She can be reached at SHenry@alamedaca.gov.