Severe Storm Preparedness

What to Expect

Atmospheric river events and major winter storms hit our area regularly. The combination of steep terrain, heavy tree cover, and narrow roads means our communities are particularly vulnerable. A single fallen tree can block the only road in or out of a neighborhood.

• •Extended power outages — PG&E lines run through heavily wooded areas. Outages lasting 2–5 days are common. PG&E may also proactively shut off power during high-wind events (PSPS).
• •Road closures — Downed trees, mudslides, and flooding can close roads for hours or days. Some neighborhoods have only one access road.
• •Flooding — Creeks overflow, culverts clog, and low-lying areas flood. Properties near creeks or at the bottom of hills are most at risk.
• •Landslides — Saturated hillsides can give way, especially after wildfire has removed stabilizing vegetation.
• •Water disruption — Power outages can affect water pumping stations, reducing or eliminating water pressure.

Before Storm Season

• Store at least 2 weeks of water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Stock 2 weeks of non-perishable food that does not require refrigeration or cooking
• Have flashlights, batteries, and battery-powered lanterns in accessible locations
• Get a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio (our SAME code is 006081)
• Have a portable phone charger or power bank fully charged
• Clean gutters and downspouts so water drains away from your home
• Trim dead branches and remove dead trees near your home and driveway
• Check your sump pump if you have one and have a backup battery
• Have sandbags or flood barriers on hand if your property is prone to flooding
• Consider a generator (never run it indoors or in a garage)
• Keep your car gas tank at least half full during storm season

During a Major Storm

• Monitor SMCAlert and NOAA weather radio for updates
• Stay indoors and away from windows during high winds
• Avoid driving in heavy rain or darkness when downed trees may not be visible
• If you lose power, unplug sensitive electronics to protect from surges when power returns
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed (food stays safe 4 hours in fridge, 48 hours in full freezer)
• Use flashlights, not candles, to avoid fire risk
• If using a generator, run it outdoors only, at least 20 feet from windows and doors
• Do not walk or drive through floodwater
• If you hear or see a landslide, move to higher ground immediately
• Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or live alone

After the Storm

• Stay away from downed power lines and assume they are live
• Report downed lines to PG&E (1-800-743-5000)
• Check your property for damage and document with photos for insurance
• Clear debris from drains and culverts near your property if safe to do so
• Check for water damage in crawlspaces and low areas
• Run taps briefly and check for discoloration before drinking if water was interrupted
• Throw away food that has been above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours
• Watch for delayed landslides, which can occur days after rain stops

Power Outage Tips

Extended power outages are the most common storm impact in our area.

• LED lanterns and headlamps are safer and last longer than candles
• Fill bathtubs with water before the storm for flushing toilets if pressure drops
• Freeze water bottles in advance to keep your freezer cold longer
• A car charger can charge phones and small devices
• Know your neighbors with generators for sharing essentials like refrigeration
• Sign up for PG&E outage alerts at pgealerts.alerts.pge.com

Stay Informed