Full Notification

Starting later this afternoon through Thursday, we are expecting an atmospheric river-type event with heavy rain and gusty winds. Unsettled weather will continue through the end of January. Here are some storm preparation tips from PG&E to keep you, your family, and your home safe during the storm.  

• Never touch or attempt to move downed wires/lines; assume the lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Report downed power lines immediately by calling 911 and then PG&E at (800) 743-5002.
• During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights, not candles, due to fire risk.
• If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, plan to have a standard telephone or cell phone ready as a backup.
• Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer during an outage to prevent foods from spoiling. 
• Secure outdoor furniture as it can be blown by high winds and damage overhead power lines and property.
• Customers with standby electric generators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to customers, as well as power line crews If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area.
• If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored.
• Use sandbags to protect flood-prone entrances to your home. Two complimentary self-serve sandbag stations are located at the City’s Municipal Services Center (707 Fremont Avenue) in the McKenzie Park parking lot. Sand, shovels, and bags are available 24/7.

Report storm-related hazards, including street flooding, fallen trees/limbs or street signs, plugged storm drains, and traffic signal outages to the Los Altos Police Department 24/7 non-emergency line at (650) 947-2770.  

For more information and tips on storm preparedness, visit www.losaltosca.gov/stormpreparation.