City responding to severe storm damage with emergency teams and temporary shelter

Tempe, AZ - The City of Tempe is actively responding to the significant damage from today’s storm. We have mobilized multiple departments to address the widespread damage throughout the community and are standing up a temporary shelter in partnership with the American Red Cross. Approximately 10,000 people are expected to be without power until 8 p.m. tonight, according to SRP and APS. More than 130 people were displaced when several apartment buildings were severely damaged by the storm. The City of Tempe and the American Red Cross are providing a temporary emergency shelter at Escalante Multi-Generational Center, 2150 E Orange St. Anyone who needs a place to go due to the storm may go there and get assistance. An industrial center in south Tempe was greatly damaged due to the storm. The City of Tempe can provide recommendations to help board-up buildings safely and securely. Please call the Tempe Police non-emergency number at 480-350-8311 to get assistance. Both Tempe Police and Tempe Fire Medical Rescue are experiencing a significant increase in emergency incidents due to the storm. The entire city, along with our regional partners through the Automatic Aid System, is committed to ensuring that every call for service continues to receive a timely and effective response despite the high demand for resources. Public Works and Transportation crews are on Tempe streets, moving trees in roads and restoring traffic signals. We know that many people have experienced significant damage. Our Public Works Solid Waste teams are out today picking up debris and green waste from the storm. The City of Tempe will provide additional green organics pickups in the most heavily hit areas. Call 480-350-4311 tomorrow to report the needs for your neighborhood or visit tempe.gov/311 anytime to make an online report. Please cut your trees to less than four feet in length and 19” in diameter so that it can be picked up. Check the guidelines. We ask residents to avoid flooded or damaged areas, report downed power lines or gas leaks immediately and use caution when traveling as crews continue restoration efforts throughout the city. Thank you to everyone who is working together to help friends and neighbors after this storm. The connectivity of Tempe residents helping each other will make a world of difference today and in years to come. For updates and safety information, please follow the City of Tempe and Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department official social media channels.