Full Notification

Dear Los Altos Hills Residents,

The storm we have been preparing for is upon us. This afternoon we can expect high winds and heavy rain bringing risk of flooding along creeks and streams. Check the current status of these watches and warnings on the National Weather Service’s website here.  
Additional storms and even stronger winds are forecasted to impact the area starting Friday (January 6) and continuing into early next week.

 WHAT TO EXPECT

• Downed trees and branches, potentially blocking roads or damaging property.
• Power outages are likely.
• Flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage.
• Ponding of water in roadways.

HOW TO GET READY

• If your household relies on electrical medical equipment, make a plan now for backup power.  
• Have a Go Bag for each household member, including pets.
• Know at least Two Ways Out of your neighborhood.
• Evacuate your home if you feel unsafe (due to flooding, ground conditions, etc.). If no danger arises, your household had good evacuation practice. 
• Driving. Please slow down in adverse weather and allow for extra braking distance. Do NOT drive into areas of standing water, as you will not know how deep the water is, or what the condition of the roadway is underneath the water. You may become stranded and then require rescue.

HOW TO GET HELP

• Report issues to the Town promptly. 650-941-7222 during regular business hours (Monday - Thursday 9 to 5).
• AFTER office hours, please contact Santa Clara County Communications at 408-299-3233.
• Report Non-Emergency issues to Sheriff - 408-299-2311.
• For power outages, electrical problems or downed electrical lines, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. If you spot a downed power line or a tree down into a power line, please call 9-1-1 to report it.
• Only call 9-1-1 in emergencies. Do NOT call 9-1-1 unless there is an imminent threat to life or another serious emergency. Unnecessary 9-1-1 calls detract from our ability to promptly dispatch first responders to legitimate emergencies.

WAYS TO HELP

We are stronger as a community when we help those around us and work together during times of adversity. If your home is safe from flooding and you’d now like to help others, here are some suggestions for what you could do: 

• Check on your neighbors. Offer your assistance, particularly to those who may be elderly or infirm. Offer to help get them sandbags for their home if needed. Ensure they have a way to get current information on potential flooding or commit to them that you will monitor current information and share it with them when needed. Ensure they know they can call 9-1-1 if they need emergency assistance. 
• Sandbags. Sandbag supplies (bags and loose sand) are currently available at the Los Altos Hills Corporation Yard located at 27500 Purissima Road. Other sandbag resources are available for residents of Santa Clara County HERE.
• Clear storm drains. If you have a storm drain inlet near your home in the street, consider using a rake and clearing any debris (leaves, tree branches, etc.) that may have accumulated over the grate. If possible, please place organic matter into your compost bins. This will help reduce ponding on our roadways for the next storm. Encourage your friends in other neighborhoods to do the same thing.

STAY INFORMED 

• Stay informed of current weather and forecast conditions. Monitor changes in the weather forecast. Get notifications from the City via SCC Alert, Twitter, Facebook, and Nextdoor. Sign up to receive emergency notifications here. 
• Get real time updates from Santa Clara Valley Water District on flooding conditions here.