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Disaster Preparedness

Helpful Information Before & After A Storm

Monitoring Weather Conditions & Emergency Alerts:

Flooding:

  • Flood Information from Gardiner Public Safety
  • Kennebec River Height at Gardiner: Kennebec River at Gardiner, Maine - USGS Water Data for the Nation
  • Much of the downtown area is in a flood zone. The first areas to flood include the Waterfront Park and the Arcade Parking Lot. If high water is predicted the city may close both locations as a precaution for public safety. Notice of closure for the Waterfront Park and the Arcade Parking Lot will be posted as an alert on the City's website home page, the City of Gardiner's Facebook page, and as a notification on the Gardiner Current mobile app. 
  • If you must evacuate or are traveling during flooding, remember:
    • Do not walk through flowing water. Most drownings occur during flash floods.
    • Remember the phrase “Turn Around, Don't Drown!” Don't drive through flooded roads.
    • Do not drive around road barriers.

Non-Emergency City Services - Fire, Police, EMS, Wastewater, Public Works

  • Call Dispatch: 207-624-7076

Sand:

  • Sand is available for the public at the gate of the Public Works Compound on Old Brunswick Road.

Utility Services:

To prepare for a power outage:

  • Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
  • Charge cell phones and devices now.
  • Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs, such as a portable charger or power bank.
  • Have flashlights for every household member.
  • Have enough nonperishable food and water for each household member and pets for at least 72 hours. 
  • Review your family communication plan with every household member.

If you use an alternate power source:

  • Using portable gas-powered generators can quickly cause carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning when they are run in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. CO is a colorless, odorless gas formed when burning most types of fuels.
  • Place your generator outdoors. Keep your generator at least 20 feet from windows and doors. Do not put a generator in a closed or partly closed space, like a basement, cellar bulkhead, garage, or porch, even if doors and windows are open.
  • Follow the safety instructions for operating your portable generator.
  • Do not use outdoor cooking devices indoors like gas or charcoal grills and gas camp stoves.
  • Place a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near each sleeping area in your home. Look for the Underwriters Laboratory "UL certification" marked with the "Station Carbon Monoxide Alarm" statement.
    • Check CO detectors regularly to be sure they are functioning properly.
    • Warning signs of CO poisoning are similar to flu symptoms that include headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion or altered mental status.
    • If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, leave the house at once, call 9-1-1, and do not go back into the building until the fire department tells you it is safe.

Storm-Damaged Trees:

Warming and Charging Centers operated by municipalities and local organizations may open in communities across Maine. Please visit MEMA’s website to find the nearest location: You may also dial 2-1-1 or visit the 211maine.org website for a list of locations.

For further tips or resources on heating during the winter months, visit the Governor’s Energy Office’s Winter Heating Guide.

Oil, kerosene, or other toxic spills
You are required to file a report with DEP LINK HERE. They will come out and assess the situation and provide advice on clean up and disposal.

Power Outages
If you are still out of power, call CMP at 800.696.1000 to learn more about restoration timing. Let them know if you experienced flooding or water in your electrical system.

Food Loss/Salvage
US CDC has guidance on salvaging/disposing food impacted by disasters. LINK HERE

Disaster Recovery Loans for Homes and Businesses
SBA shares resources on disaster recovery loans LINK HERE.