Storm Preparation in Los Altos

The City's Public Works Department prepares year-round in anticipation of the rainy season. With your help, we can reduce the risk of flooding, downed trees and electrical interruptions caused by fallen branches.

We Are Storm Ready

The city of Los Altos Public Works Department has prepared for the stormy season in the following ways:

• Systematically cleaning all storm drain inlets prior to the rainy season
• Inspecting and clearing debris in difficult to access storm water ditches
• Preparing sandbag stations
• Pruning and trimming City trees and removing dead trees caused by the drought
• Inspecting and waterproofing traffic signal related equipment and preparing backup generators for signal outages
• Preparing and maintaining necessary equipment needed to respond to storm events
• Conducting emergency operation drills with the Police Department and Santa Clara County Fire Department to set up an Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in order to practice and prepare for storm and flood response

What You Can Do to Prepare

Storm drains have limited capacity and flooding can occur if drains are clogged by downed tree limbs or other debris. You can help by:

• Properly trimming and maintaining street trees on and adjacent to your property prior to the start of the rainy season
• Collecting and properly disposing of heavy leaf fall before storms occur. Be sure to fill up your yard waste container first; remaining leaves should be left on your lawn until you are closer to your anticipated collection day. Do not pile leaves in the gutter before a storm, as this leads to drains becoming clogged and higher probability of flooding.
• Removing leaves and debris from storm drain inlets with a rake or shovel
• Using sandbags to protect flood-prone entrances to your home. Two free self-serve sandbag stations located at the City’s Municipal Services Center, 707 Fremont Avenue are now available to the public.
• Be sure to prepare an emergency kit with first aid supplies, food and water; visit ready.gov for helpful resources.

During a Storm

Report storm related hazards to the Maintenance Services Division at (650) 947-2785. After-hours calls should be placed to the Police Department’s 24/7 non-emergency line at (650) 947-2770. Storm related hazards include street flooding, fallen trees/limbs, plugged storm drains, traffic signal outages and fallen street signs.

Tree crews will respond to downed trees and limbs, prioritizing those that pose the greatest hazard such as those blocking streets and sidewalks. Property owners are reminded that clean-up of trees located on private property is the responsibility of the owner. City maintained trees that have fallen onto private property are the responsibility of the City.

Contact Information

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

Additional Resources

• Free Sandbag Station: Two free self-serve sandbag stations will be available to Los Altos residents at the Municipal Services Center, 707 Fremont Avenue starting the first week of November.  Sand, shovels, and bags will be available 24/7.