City and County emergency services are prepared for possible thunderstorms and high winds which are forecast to hit western Montana Friday afternoon and evening, utilizing the latest Mobile Phone Emergency Notification System for Communities. The Missoula Police and Fire Departments, as well as the 911 Center, have extra staff scheduled to provide services as needed. City Parks and Recreation and Public Works maintenance crews are on call to provide tree debris removal and assistance to emergency services and citizens. In addition, the Missoula Fire Department is coordinating with state and federal agencies to prepare for potential wild land fires.
Residents can assist emergency services by reserving 911 calls for emergencies which threaten lives or property. For power outages, phone Northwestern Energy at (888) 467-2669. For tree debris removal, please submit an online removal request at www.missoulaparks.org, or phone 552-6253. Citizens are reminded to steer clear of tree debris which is touching or adjacent to utility lines, and call 911 to report.
The Missoula County Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to sign up for emergency alerts at www.smart911.com. Smart911 is a free service used by public safety agencies to enhance communication and response for their community. It can be used by 9-1-1 agencies to quickly send first responders to the location of an emergency with more information, by emergency management to better plan for and respond to disasters, and by municipalities to send emergency notifications to their citizens.
Inquiries regarding this information can also be directed to Becky Goodrich of Missoula Park and Recreation, and Adriane Beck of the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management.