Newsreleases

Preparedness Advisory to Santa Clara Residents and Businesses

Each year the City of Santa Clara holds a Storm Preparedness Meeting. Many City departments participate in evaluating weather predictions, tide information, river and creek flow rates, evacuation plans, shelter preparation, and the availability of sand bags. Prior to the winter months, pump station generators are tested; catch basins and storm pipes cleaned; and creek and river channels are cleared at storm outfalls in conjunction with the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

Flooding can happen quickly and with very little warning. The City is asking Santa Clara residents and businesses to be prepared to protect your family or business. Rainwater can travel quickly from the coastal mountains to the valley floor, bringing the Saratoga Creek, Calabazas Creek, San Tomas Aquino Creek, and the Guadalupe River, all of which flow through Santa Clara, to a flooding stage. In the past few years, new City pump stations have been built, Guadalupe River levees have been raised, storm water drainage systems improved and the Calabazas Creek construction (between Pruneridge Avenue and Homestead Road) has been completed giving it more capacity to withstand the flooding. Still, heavy rains, combined with high tides, can cause flooding. Reasonable preparedness and action will minimize property damage and personal injury.

To Prepare:

• Check your homeowner’s, renter’s, or business insurance for flood insurance coverage. You may wish to apply for this insurance promptly as it may take some time to obtain. Effective November 6, 2005, FEMA issued new flood maps for Santa Clara. You can request a copy of the flood map from the Planning Department by calling 615-2450. You can also access the FEMA website at www.fema.gov to check if your property address is in a flood zone.
• Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box; keep copies of important documents in an alternate safe location;
• Clear your rain gutters and any drains you have on your property. Use qualified contractors and inspectors to make any necessary repairs to your home or business. Don’t overlook referrals from satisfied customers, including relatives, friends, and neighbors. Be sure to ask for proof of contractor’s license;
• Do not rake leaves or debris into gutters and storm drains where they can hinder street drainage;
• Keep plastic sheeting, lumber, and even sandbags handy for waterproofing;
• Store supplies at work and home in convenient locations, and in the car. Supplies should include a first aid kit with essential medicines; food (packaged, dried, canned or food for special diets); a non-electric can opener; some cash on hand; portable radio, flashlights, and extra batteries; drinking water; dry clothing;
• Keep your car ready with at least half a tank of gas;
• Know safe routes from your home or office to higher, safer ground.

• Tune to local radio or television stations for emergency information and instructions from the City and other local authorities;
• Avoid areas that are typically subject to flooding;
• Do not try to drive over flooded roads--you may become stranded or trapped. Take alternate paths, even if they are longer;
• Do not “sightsee” in flooded areas, and do not try to enter areas blocked by City crews and other authorities;
• Avoid unnecessary trips, and use the telephone only for emergency needs or to report dangerous conditions;
• If advised by Santa Clara emergency response personnel to leave your home or office, for your safety, please comply. Secure your home or business before you leave;
• Stay with relatives or friends outside the evacuation area, or report to shelters set up by the City. Usual shelters include the Community Recreation Center (primary) on Kiely Blvd. between Benton Street and Homestead Road, and the Teen Center/Walter E. Schmidt Youth Activity Center (secondary) on Cabrillo Avenue. PLEASE NOTE: If you are advised to evacuate by City personnel, you will be provided with specific information about shelters;
• If you have no means of transportation, or if you are physically unable to evacuate on your own, plan ahead and ask a neighbor to assist you. If this is not possible, notify the emergency response personnel who advise you to evacuate.
• When driving, drive defensively and at a reduced speed, which is safe for road conditions.
• Report any downed power lines or damaged electrical facilities.
• Treat any electric line that is not in its normal configuration as a “live” wire.
• Stay clear of any wet surfaces that may be in contact with downed power lines, exposed cables, or damaged electrical facilities.

To Report:
To report life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.

For other emergency service requests involving City electric, water and sewer utilities, storm drains, or severe flooding, call (408) 615-5640.

For gas service requests, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
For any gas leak (if you smell gas) call 9-1-1.

Stay Informed:

• Be alert to local media reports of heavy rains, flooding, and potential for flooding;
• If evacuation is necessary in your area, follow the instructions of emergency services personnel;
• Online weather/storm preparedness information.
  • National Weather Service (Bay Area)
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • Santa Clara Valley Water District
  • Red Cross of Santa Clara Valley