Severe Weather Preparation

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Prepare Yourself and Check on Neighbors

Utilize time in advance by inspecting your property. Check roof drains and down spouts to make sure they are clear of debris. Keep leaves and yard trimmings out of storm drains and gutters. Store emergency supplies (first aid kit, essential medicines, cash, food, non-electric can opener, portable battery-operated radio, flashlights and spare batteries) in air-tight bags and in handy locations. Keep your car fueled. If electric power is cut off, filling stations may not be able to operate. Do not forget your pets. Reach out to neighbors to ensure they are prepared. Store valuable documents and items higher off the ground.

Travel

Stay off the roads if you can. If you must travel, do not drive into flooded areas. A foot of water can float many cars, and two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups. Keep an extra flashlight (headlamp recommended), food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Here are preparedness tips from Ready.gov.

Sandbags

The Town of Woodside has a sandbag station at 2955 Woodside Road. The Town of Portola Valley has a sandbag station at the southern entrance across from the basketball courts, 765 Portola Road. The County offers sandbags to residents and businesses in the unincorporated areas. Here is a map and a list of pick-up locations in the unincorporated areas, plus a list of locations from other cities. Download a PDF of the proper use of sandbags.

Storm-Related Assistance

Residents in need of storm-related, non-emergency assistance should call 2-1-1. The County and cities may coordinate to open temporary evacuation points, the first contact point for evacuees during an emergency. These locations begin the process of finding appropriate short term or long-term shelter. Evacuation assistance is available for those who need it.

Call 9-1-1 Only in Emergencies

An emergency is any serious medical problem (chest pain, seizure, bleeding), any type of fire (business, car, building), any life-threatening situation (fights, person with weapons) or to report crimes in progress. Do not dial 911 for a non-emergency.

Stay Connected

Check the following to stay up to date on storm-related information and local resources.

Check for local hazardous conditions by address and other County storm-related news and information.

Sign up for SMC Alert, which sends emergency messages to email, cell phones and other devices and landline telephones.

Other Agency Information

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