City of Oakland Provides Election Week Safety Information

As Election Night approaches, the City of Oakland is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all community members. To stay prepared we are providing extra Oakland Police Department (OPD) staffing to facilitate people's rights to peaceful gatherings and to address any crime-related incidents. Additionally, we are coordinating with our law enforcement partners for added support, enabling a regional response if needed.

Please keep in mind the following safety tips:

• Plan Your Route: If you're attending any events or gatherings, plan your route ahead of time. Please note that 6th Street and 7th Street will be closed between Broadway and Washington Street.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you see any unusual or suspicious activity, please report it immediately by calling OPD's non-emergency line at (510) 777-3333, or call 911 in an emergency.
• Remain Respectful: We encourage everyone to engage peacefully and respectfully with others.

Our officers will be present throughout the evening to support and protect our community.

Stay up to Date on Emergencies and Public Safety

AC Alert is an emergency notification system for Alameda County residents, businesses, and visitors. It can send text messages and e-mails. An AC Alert subscription is free to community members, and all residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to sign up. You can provide up to five locations, such as school, home, work, and an elder family member's home. That way, you will receive updates when an emergency alert impacts one of the locations you have requested. For more information about this system and to find out how to participate, please visit www.acalert.org.

Tips for Business Operators

• Insurance Coverage: Review your business insurance to confirm it includes coverage for property damage or business interruptions due to civil unrest.
• Develop a Crisis Response Plan:
  • Employee Safety Protocols: Outline procedures to ensure employee safety, including evacuation routes, safe zones within the building, and communication plans.
  • Customer Communication: Decide if, when, and how you'll communicate with customers about any changes to hours, closures, or safety measures.
  • Emergency Contacts: Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including local law enforcement, medical facilities, and nearby business contacts.
• Consider Business Continuity Options Remote Operations: If possible, have a plan for employees to work from home or offsite.
• Alternative Access Points: If protests block entry, designate alternative points where employees or delivery personnel can enter and exit safely.
• Backup Systems: Ensure digital files and business systems are backed up so your business can recover quickly if there are disruptions.

Secure Your Property

• Physical Reinforcements: Consider temporary protective measures like boarding up windows, installing reinforced doors, or even adding security cameras to monitor exterior areas.
• Store Valuables Securely: Move high-value items to secure areas or offsite. Cash registers and safes should be locked and bolted.
• External Signage: Avoid inflammatory or brand-specific signage if relevant; keep signage low-profile if that could reduce targeting risk.

In the past some Oakland property owners and businesses have inquired with the City about protecting their space and property, as a general safety practice and in preparation for anticipated possible events.

The City has provided an online list of known property board-up service providers. These services are available privately at property owners' discretion, and not as part of any City program. In some cases if OPD observes a damaged property that is exposed to the public and the owner cannot be immediately contacted, City staff may be required to directly provide a board-up for the safety of the property, and the owner may be later charged for that service.

Watch For Updates

This page will be updated throughout the week as appropriate. In addition to signing up for AC Alert, the City recommends community members montiro this page for the latest information.

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