Is Your Yard Ready for Windy Weather

All those leaves you haven’t raked could be your neighbor’s problem by Thursday afternoon because of high winds expected to start blowing through the Bay Area and Benicia Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service has changed a high wind watch to a high wind warning and is calling for sustained winds in the Benicia area of 18 to 25 mph and gusts up to 40 mph on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency website offers a variety of tips on preparing and maintaining your home so it can withstand high winds.  While a lot of what they mention is best left to licensed contractors, they do have tips anyone can follow like this:  smaller objects, such as trash cans, barbecue grills, and outdoor furniture should also be anchored or, if you have adequate warning, moved indoors.

Pacific Gas and Electric says about 13 percent of power outages each year are caused by tree limbs falling on power lines.  Customers who see downed lines or are experiencing a power outage can call PG&E at (800) 743-5002 to report the problem.  The Utility wants everyone to remember that when you find a downed power line you should assume it is live and stay away from it.

Benicians who see tree limbs or other obstructions in the roadway can call the Public Works Department at 707-746-4280. 

The Police and Fire dispatch center can be reached at 745-3412.  This is the non-emergency number.   If there is an emergency call 911.

The good news on the weather front is that the dense fog that has plagued the area the last few days will be gone and the weekend weather should be clear with highs in the upper 50s.