Storm Alert: Important Updates, Numbers, & Tips

Welcome to the city of Los Altos Storm Alert page, where we strive to keep you informed and prepared during inclement weather conditions. We understand that storms can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous, so we have created this page to provide you with the most up-to-date information on important tips, emergency phone numbers, and guidance on what to do before, during, and after a storm. 

HOW TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS
  • AlertSCC provides community members with critical information on emergencies and disasters happening in their local area. Register at www.AlertSCC.org.
  • Nixle provides community members with emergency alerts and community messages from the Los Altos Police Department. Register by texting your zip code to 888777.
Who to Call
  • Report downed power lines immediately by calling 9-1-1 and then PG&E at 1 (877) 660-6789.
  • All storm-related hazards—street flooding, fallen trees/limbs, plugged storm drains, traffic signal outages, and fallen street signs—should be reported to the Maintenance Services Division at (650) 947-2785. For after-hours calls, residents can leave a message, which will be returned as soon as possible or within one business day. Regular business hours are Monday-Thursday from 7 AM-4 PM. If it is an urgent matter, and you have reached a voicemail or it is after hours, please contact the Los Altos Police Department at (650) 947-2779, so a stand-by crew can be dispatched.
  • Report outages in your home or neighborhood to PG&E. Call their 24/7 Power Outage Information Center at 1 (800) 743-5002. 
  • Always call 9-1-1 if you are injured, in danger, or for any other emergencies.
WARMING CENTER INFORMATION

All City facilities, which include the Los Altos Community Center, the Los Altos Police Department front lobby, and the City Hall front lobby serve as warming centers for residents to charge electronic devices and access WiFi. A full list of facility hours can be found by visiting this page. The Los Altos Main and Woodland Libraries also serve as warming centers during operational hours.

For a complete list warming centers throughout Santa Clara County, community members should go to the County's cold weather safety webpage.​

HOW TO NAVIGATE POTENTIAL POWER OUTAGES
  • Do not call 9-1-1 to report a power outage or to ask when power will be restored. These lines need to remain open for life-threatening emergencies only.
  • ​​​​​​​Treat intersections with no power as a four-way stop. 

PG&E Contact Information: 

  • Access PG&E’s Electric Outage Map online at PGE Emergency Site - Outage Center 
  • Contact PG&E’s outage information line at 1 (800) 743-5002 
  • Log-into customer accounts through www.pge.com and sign up to receive PG&E alerts and notifications via email, text, or phone. 
HOW TO NAVIGATE POTENTIAL ROAD CLOSURES 

If roads are closed, do not move or drive through the barricades; these barricades are blocking roads with downed lines (possibly live wires) and trees.  

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A POTENTIAL STORM 
  • If you observe trees on your property leaning into power lines, call PG&E proactively at 1 (877) 660-6789. 
  • If you have flood-prone areas around your home, consider stocking up on sandbags. Sandbags are available at the City's self-serve station located in the parking lot of McKenzie Park at 707 Fremont Avenue. Bags, sand, and shovels are available at the station 24 hours a day. 
  • Turn Around, Don't Drown® - If you need to drive, be extra cautious and slow down. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters; just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and 2 feet of water can sweep away your vehicle. 
  • During a power outage, use battery-operated flashlights, not candles, due to fire risk. 
  • If you have a telephone system that requires electricity to work, plan to have a standard telephone or cell phone ready as a backup. If only a mobile device is available, ensure that all mobile devices are charged in advance of possible power outages. 
  • Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator/freezer during an outage to prevent foods from spoiling. 
  • Secure outdoor furniture to minimize potential property damage and/or overhead power line damage due to high winds. 
  • Customers with standby electric generators should make sure they are properly installed by a licensed electrician in a well-ventilated area. Improperly installed generators pose a significant danger to customers and power line crews. If using portable generators, be sure they are in a well-ventilated area. 
  • If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electrical appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. 
  • If possible, residents are encouraged to rake and remove any leaves or debris away from their street grates to prevent potential flooding.  
ADDITIONAL Resources

Supporting Documents

PDF icon What to do Before, During, and After a Flood (6 MB)
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