Dear Atherton Residents,
San Mateo County expects to be impacted by a major storm beginning late Wednesday (12/10) afternoon with its harshest impacts being felt Thursday (12/11) morning around commute time into the mid-afternoon. This storm is predicted to bring between 3 to 5 inches of rain with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph in some areas. It has been a few years since we have seen a rain event of this magnitude predicted for our county.
The Town would like to remind you that storms such as these can often mean short term power outages from 30 minutes to 48 hours. This might be a good time to make sure your back-up lighting is ready to go (flashlights and lanterns) as well as other supplies (radio) you may deem necessary to help your family should the need arise. For those of you who occasionally experience water intruding into your basement or garage, this might be a good time to barricade off the area with plastic/sandbags before the rain begins (it’s much easier now). The Town provides sandbags free of charge at the Public Works Corporation Yard (self-service) for those of you who would like to take advantage of this Town service. Please stay tuned to local television or radio news for updates such as flood and wind advisories during the event. The next few days might also be a good time to clean your gutters, make sure “loose” items on your property are secured (patio umbrellas, propane heaters, awnings, light furniture, covers and tarps).
And lastly, when a storm like this begins ramping up and limbs begin falling and puddles begin forming, things begin getting quite busy with your Police Department and Public Works staff with calls becoming prioritized for the limited number of workers we have on staff. You may find it handy to have your own list of phone numbers (or program them into your cellular phone)to help you out with issues as they arise on your private property such as:
• Your gardener
• Your tree care professional
• Your roof repair professional
• Your HVAC technician
• PG&E (outages) 1-800-743-5002
• Your generator and pump repair service
• Your sewer provider (West Bay Sanitary – 650 321-0384 : or Fair Oaks Sanitary District 650 363-4100)
• Your insurance company
• http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm
Some other convenient numbers:
• Atherton Police Department
o Emergency 911
o Non-emergency 650 688-6500
• Atherton Public Works (M-F 8am to 5pm)
o Non-emergency 650 752-0570
o Emergency 650 688-6500 or 911
Atherton will be staffed throughout the period of the event with Police, Fire and Public Works employees.
Please let us know if we can be of assistance.
Regards,
Steve Tyler
Town of Atherton
Public Works Superintendent
Certified Arborist #WE 6704 A
650 752-0541 Office
650 576-1655 Cell
650 752-0591 FAX