Storms bring rain and wind creating a higher risk of car accidents, power outages, landslides and flooding. Other impacts that accompany storms are extreme cold temperatures, hypothermia, frostbite, freezing rain, snow and ice. Heavy rain during a storm can cause pooling, overflowing rivers and runoffs resulting in evacuations, supply shortages, traffic obstructions and road closures, infrastructure damage and debris.
Important Contact Numbers
Remember... Only call 9-1-1 in emergencies. An emergency is when there is an imminent threat to life or another serious emergency. Please call your city or town's non-emergency line.
Community members living in the County's unincorporated areas may call the following for assistance:
- County of Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Line: (408) 299-2311.
- Santa Clara County 911 Communications Non-Emergency Line: (408) 299-3233.
- If you spot a downed power line or a tree down into a power line, please call 9-1-1 to report it.
- For power outages, electrical problems or downed electrical lines, call PG&E at 1 (800) 743-5000.
- Response and recovery resources listed are available to community members in Santa Clara County. Community members living in the county's unincorporated areas may contact our office during regular business hours for additional support by calling our office at (408) 808-7800.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
City Resources
Some of our City have created a storm prep resource page to provide their community members with additional information to their city. Please click on the link below for your city's resources. If you your city is not listed, please email [email protected] to be included in this directory.
Storm Prep
- Signup to receive local alerts at AlertSCC.org.
- Make an emergency plan with your family and household.
- Build an emergency supply kit. Pack a Go Bag in case you are required to evacuate. Build a Stay Kit in case you are required to shelter-in-place.
- Check for weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
- Clear rain gutters of debris and point them away from your home.
- Pick up sandbags from Valley Water.
- Limit or delay traveling if possible. If you must travel, check roadway conditions. Know before you go.
During a Storm
- Move away from creeks, streams and fast moving waterways.
- Never drive or walk through flooded streets or roadways. Water may be deeper and stronger than it appears. Turn around. Don't drown!
- Power outages may occur. Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy.
- Never touch downed wires. Assume they are live and call 9-1-1 and the PG&E or the public utilities company.
- Help keep road crews and first responders safe by limiting or delaying travel during the storm. They may be performing work to clear debris or responding to assist other motorist.
- Monitor alerts on the various media channels including social media, tv, radio, online and in your email.
After a Storm
- Check your home for damage. Look carefully for structural damage which could cause injury, i.e., weakened floors, walls or ceilings which might fall or collapse. Watch for exposed nails and other sharp objects. Take pictures.
- Check for wild animals, reptiles and snakes which may have taken up residence to escape the floodwaters. Open all windows and doors to allow them to escape, and avoid trapping or cornering them. Snakes can get inside walls. Be cautious when removing drywall.
- If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave immediately, call 911 and notify the gas company.
- If you had to evacuate due to a flood and are returning home, be sure you have received reentry approval from the proper authorities.
Safe Driving Tips
During a storm, community members should avoid unnecessary travel if possible until weather conditions improve. This helps protect you and road crews and first responders perform their jobs safely.
If you must travel or are commuting work, help road crews keep safe by giving them plenty of room to clear roadways of debris and/or repair roadways. Please do not block any roadways that may prevent first responders from providing assistance to other motorists. Lastly, do not go around barricades. They are there for your protection.
- A highway speed of 65 miles per hour may be safe in dry weather, but it is an invitation for trouble when raining, in snowing and icy conditions.
- Rain, snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belts buckled and leave more distance between your car and the car ahead.
- Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not.
- Please remember to avoid making sudden stops and quick direction changes during raining, snowing and icy weather conditions.
- Community members should be more observant of their surroundings and visibility may be restricted during a storm making it difficult to see slow moving equipment.
- Slow down and watch for other vehicles that have on their flashing lights.
- If your vehicle becomes stalled, stay with your vehicle, and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or monoxide problems.
Know the Difference
Evacuation Warning
An evacuation warning indicates a potential threat to life and/or property. When an evacuation warning is issued, community members should gather their family members, pets, personal items, important documents, prescription medications, a change of clothes, non-perishable food, water, spare batteries, flashlights and cell phone chargers and prepare to evacuate to a safe location.
Official Definition:
There is a potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
Evacuation Order
An evacuation order is issued when there is an immediate threat to life or property. This order has the force of law and requires an immediate evacuation. Areas covered by the evacuation order are legally closed to the public. Community members should evacuate immediately. If you need assistance with evacuating, please call 9-1-1.
Official Definition:
There is an immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area under evacuation order is now lawfully closed to public access.