GRESHAM, Ore. – As the winter months approach, the City of Gresham wants to encourage the community to take the time to prepare, stay informed, and have a safe winter.  

“Winter storms are becoming all too common and as we’ve learned over the past few years, these storms can cause a considerable amount of damage,” said Gresham Emergency Manager Kelle Landavazo. “We’re hoping by getting this information out into our community now, we can lessen the severity of the impacts winter weather can bring.” 

Here are resources for ways to prepare and prevent the most common concerns that arise during severe winter storms, as well as what to do if a problem occurs.  

Freezing pipes:  

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. 
• When the weather is very cold outside, let water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. 
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage. 
• Insulate pipes and faucets. 
• If a pipe bursts, turn off the main water valve. If you cannot locate the main valve or in case of an emergency, call 503-618-2626 during business hours and call 503-823-3333 after hours and weekends. 

Trees: 

• Prune trees to remove dead or damaged branches and reduce the risk of branches breaking during a storm.
• Wrap your trees in a breathable material like burlap to protect them from strong winds, ice storms, and heavy snow.
• Young and weak trees may need structural reinforcement to withstand winter conditions.
• If a downed tree is blocking the road, call 9-1-1 and do not attempt to drive under. 
• If a downed tree is on a power line, call PGE at 800-542-8818. 
• Trees on your property or behind the curb are the homeowners' responsibility. 

 Transportation: 

• Stay home when conditions are dangerous to travel safely. 
• If you must travel, check road conditions at TripCheck.com. 
• The City’s plowing route consists of three categories: 
  • Priority 1: hospital and emergency routes, arterial streets, and bridges. 
  • Priority 2: through and collector streets and steep grades 
  • Priority 3: residential streets, cul-de-sacs, and dead ends 
• Use the City’s interactive plow map to see if your street is a primary, secondary or neighborhood street. 
• If inclement weather persists, crews may focus on Priority 1 and Priority 2 streets until the weather improves. Depending on the severity of the weather event, the City may not be able to anti-ice, sand, or plow residential streets, cul-de-sacs and dead ends. 

Flooding: 

• Keep storm drains clear to prevent flooding. 
• To help protect your property, the City’s sandbag station is open and free to Gresham residents from November to March. The City provides sand and bags, but residents need to bring shovels. The sandbag station is located at 2123 SE Hogan Rd.  
• To report broken City mains, a rain hazard or flooding in the public right-of-way, call 503-618-2626 during business hours and 503-661-3906 after hours or weekends.  

Staying warm: 

• Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. 
• Stay indoors and drink warm fluids. 
• Avoid travel. 
• Have a plan for where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house, a public library, or a warming center. Please call 2-1-1 to find the resources nearest you. 

Shelter: 

• Those in need of shelter, transportation to shelter or additional resources, please call 2-1-1. 

Stay informed: 

• Follow the City of Gresham Facebook page. 
• Subscribe to Flash Alerts. 
• Sign up for PublicAlerts. 
• Check the Multnomah County Winter Weather page.  

 For more information, visit GreshamOregon.gov/Severe-Weather.  

About Gresham: 

Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition meets innovation and opportunity in Oregon's fourth largest city. Gresham’s residents care deeply about our roots as a homestead and agricultural community and are committed to building a vibrant future. Today, Gresham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city with a desire to thrive. In Gresham, we are family. To learn more, visit www.GreshamOregon.gov or visit us on Twitter at @CityofGresham. 

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