This year, California is expected to experience a historic El Niño, with Governor Gavin Newsom declaring a state of emergency in order to mobilize statewide resources ahead of expected impacts.
The fall and winter seasons bring potential danger, as climate scientists predict heavy rain and wind statewide. While Santa Clara County is not expected to receive the most severe of this weather, residents should still prepare for heavy storms which may bring flooding and infrastructure damage.
Charles Harris, senior public information and communications officer for the County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Management, recommended that all residents sign up for emergency alerts at AlertSCC.org.
Harris also recommended that families utilize FEMA’s flood maps in order to determine specific flood risk surrounding their residence.
“This map helps others identify what type of flood risk they have based on their specific location,” Harris said. “This also helps individuals and families tailor their emergency plans and preparations for their specific needs.”
Harris stressed the importance of planning in case of emergency, and said that households should prepare go-bags in case of evacuation and stay-kits in case of shelter-in-place orders.
This includes utilizing sandbags if flooding occurs, which can be picked up from Valley Water distribution sites after Nov. 1.
“We work closely with Valley Water to provide free sandbags for Santa Clara County residents and encourage the community to prepare now before the storms arrive,” Harris said.
Harris also recommended that residents clean their rain gutters and ensure that these drainage systems are directed away from the home.
On a more localized level, the city of Los Altos is inspecting and clearing storm drains and local creeks in order to ensure unobstructed water flow, according to city Community Services Director Manuel Hernandez.
“As we approach the winter season, our team is taking proactive steps to ensure our city’s infrastructure is fully prepared for upcoming winter storms and heavy rainfall,” Hernandez said.
A part of these preparations also includes inspecting and trimming local trees, when necessary, to lessen the risk of falling limbs injuring residents or damaging properties.
“Our top priority is maintaining public safety and minimizing potential damage or flooding across our community,” Hernandez added.
In Mountain View, the city is making an interdepartmental effort to prepare ahead of heavy storms. This includes efforts from the city’s public works, community services, police and fire departments.
Robert Maitland, the MV Fire Department’s public information officer and office of emergency services coordinator, said that residents should be sure to clear rain gutter debris, check roof seals, keep emergency supplies on hand and be wary of road flooding.
“Never drive through flooded roadways,” Maitland said.
Sandbags will be available to residents at the city’s municipal operations center at 231 North Whisman Road. When picking up sandbags, residents should bring a shovel to fill said sandbags, Maitland added.
Public works crews are in the process of clearing key drainage channels, including Stevens Creek and Permanente Creek, in order to reduce flood risk, Maitland said.
“Emergency personnel, swift-water response equipment and tree-clearing crews are placed on standby during major weather alerts to quickly respond to downed trees, localized flooding, power outages, or street blockages,” Maitland said.
In case of a downed power line, Maitland instructed residents to call PG&E immediately at (800) 743-5000. In the case of non-emergency storm-related issues, residents can reach the city’s public services department at (650) 903-6329, or use Ask MV.
Los Altos Hills Public Works Director WooJae Kim said, “The town is proactively preparing for the upcoming winter storm season.”
Kim listed drainage maintenance, sandbag stations and public tree assessments as some of these key preparations, as well as planning for emergency response as needed.
In September, the city of Los Altos Hills put out a notice to residents in preparation of El Niño storms. This notice reminded property owners to maintain their private drainage systems, privately owned storm drain inlets, drainage ditches, swales, culverts, creeks and more.
The notice also reminded property owners that they are responsible for maintaining and trimming trees on their own property.
“Proper maintenance of drainage facilities and trees can help reduce the risk of localized flooding, erosion, stormwater runoff onto neighboring properties and public roads, property damage, power outages and road closures,” the notice reads. “Taking these steps before the rainy season can help protect your property, neighboring properties and public infrastructure and contribute to a safer and more resilient community.”
