Shelter Services
Tacoma’s shelter operators make space accommodations to expand overnight sheltering options while maintaining safety. If you need shelter, please contact shelter operators directly or call 211 to reach United Way of Tacoma-Pierce County.
View a list of local shelters.
Senior Centers
Tacoma Senior Centers follow the same closure schedule as Tacoma Public Schools. For more information, visit the Senior Centers web page.
Fallen Trees
Abutting property owners are responsible for maintaining the right-of-way in a manner that is safe for the public, including fallen trees in planting strips. Public Works will remove sections of downed trees that are blocking the street or sidewalk only. Tree debris will be placed in the planting strip between the sidewalk and the curb by the owner's property for the property owner to arrange disposal of. To report the location of a downed tree, call (253) 591-5495.
Power Lines
Power lines from pole to house are the property owner's responsibility to maintain. However, you may report trees hung up in power lines or down lines to Tacoma Power (253) 502-8729.
To report an outage please call (253) 502-8602 or report an outage through MyTPU.
To have the power shut off for pruning, please call Tacoma Power and leave a message at (253) 502-8729.
Street Flooding
If your street is flooding, it is often caused by a catch basin that is covered with leaves, plastic bags or other debris. Use a rake, broom or blower to regularly remove debris from the street catch basin grate near your home or business. With more than 18,000 catch basins to manage, the City can't get to them all during heavy rains. We need your help. If the catch basin in your street is clear and there is still street flooding, call (253) 591-5585. For more resources and information visit the City’s street flooding page.
Free Sandbag Supplies
The City’s Public Works and Environmental Services departments are providing free sandbag supplies to the public for personal use. While supplies last, community members can come to one of two locations to shovel and load their own sandbags. Both locations are open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM, October 1, 2018, through March 30, 2019.
- Tacoma Asphalt Plant at 3010 Center St. in Tacoma. Call (253) 591-5495 for more information.
- Central Wastewater Treatment Plant at 2201 Portland Ave. E., Gate 3, in Tacoma. Call (253) 502-2150 for more information.
Garbage and Recycling
If your containers were not picked up due to especially treacherous road conditions around your neighborhood, please leave your containers out. The City will collect them later. To report a missed pickup or for other questions, please call (253) 502-2100.