The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch and wind advisory starting today, Thursday, March 9 through the weekend. They are predicting extremely heavy rain, powerful winds and potential thunderstorms.
BE PREPARED
- We might see power outages again. Many Atherton residents were without power for several days for the last storm; make sure you are prepared. Do you need new batteries for your lanterns and flashlights? Fresh candles? Gas for your generator? Have you charged your EV, phone battery packs, etc.? Do you have nonperishable food? Don’t forget to plan for your pet’s needs as well.
- Secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture and decorations that could be blown away by strong winds. Make sure your sump pumps and other water detention systems are ready to go.
- Sandbags are available at the self-service sandbag station at Holbrook Palmer Park. To learn more about proper sandbag placement, visit the Town's Emergency Preparedness resource page at https://www.ci.atherton.ca.us/653/Winter-Storm-Preparedness
- Plan in advance to assist your neighbors or have them help you in an emergency.
STAY INFORMED
OPERATING GATES & GARAGES DURING POWER OUTAGES
Do you know how to enter/exit your home if the power is out? During the last power outage, Atherton PD received numerous calls needing help manually opening garages and gates. Now is the time to learn how to operate your gate or garage door during a power outage. You can find user guides online and many brand-specific video tutorials on YouTube. Make sure you can easily access your gate/garage keys!
YouTube Video: How to Open a Garage Door Manually (When Power is Out)
IF A TREE FALLS & BLOCKS A ROAD
If there is a downed tree blocking a local roadway, call 911 so that emergency personnel can be notified of the road blockage when responding to other emergencies. Town or county agencies will come on-site to safely remove the tree so that traffic can continue on the street. You can contact Atherton Public Works to report a tree blocking a street by calling 650-752-0541.
IF A TREE FALLS ON YOUR HOUSE
- Make sure everyone inside is safe. If you smell smoke: evacuate and alert your neighbors to do the same. Call 911.
- Check to see if the tree also took down electrical power lines. Power outage and flickering power are both signs of power line damage. If you suspect a power line is downed, first call 911. Then, report the downed line to PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. For more information on downed power lines: visit PG&E’s Downed Power Line page. NEVER touch a downed power line (with your body, object or car).
- Do not shut off the gas unless you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line or suspect a gas leak. If you shut off the gas, there may be a considerable delay before PG&E can turn your service back on. PG&E Gas Safety Tips can be found here, including instructions on how to turn off your gas valve.
- Call a reputable contractor to tarp or board up broken windows and roof/siding damage to your home. It’s best to leave roof-tarping to the pros, as parts of the roof may not be stable to walk on safely.
- As soon as immediate danger has passed, take photos and/or videos of the damage for homeowners insurance claims. Additional insurance/repair tips can be found here: www.bobvila.com/articles/tree-falls-on-house/
Steven D McCulley
Chief of Police
