The City of San José prepares for the storm season each year by inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining 32,200 storm drain inlets and 30 stormwater pump stations. City departments conduct annual storm preparedness meetings to educate staff about responding to storm events, but City preparation is only part of the puzzle.

Families and communities are more quickly able to recover from emergencies by preparing in advance and working together as a team.

Be Prepared

• Be ready and tell neighbors to be ready to evacuate, if needed.
• Protect your property with sandbags to route water away from structures.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Saturated soil and high winds create risk for downed trees.
• Plan ahead for power outages.
• Raise furniture on the first floor to reduce damage if water threatens to enter your home.
• Seniors or mobility impaired: Alert your family or friends so they are prepared to assist you should conditions change.
• Pack a bag with important documents, medicines, spare clothes.

STAY INFORMED

• Monitor City of San José Emergency Notifications, the news, and follow the City of San José on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram for regular updates.
• Residents are advised to opt in to AlertSCC, the Santa Clara County emergency alert system. Sign-up at http://bit.ly/2BzQxt0. AlertSCC is a free, easy, and confidential way for anyone who lives or works in Santa Clara County to get emergency warnings sent directly to their cell phone, email, or landline.
• City of San José GIS flood map.
• Valley Water creek monitoring map.
• National Weather Service (NWS) Bay Area forecasts, maps, advisories.
• Cold weather safety tips and resources.
• City of San José Parks and Park Facilities closures or under repair webpage.
• County of Santa Clara road closures.

Flood Safety

• When driving, turn your car around if you encounter water on the road that looks to be 6 inches or deeper—or if you can't tell how deep it is. Be especially cautious at night, when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
• If you are in danger of flooding, move to higher ground immediately. If you are inside, go to the highest level of the building that has windows or an escape route.
• Stay away from streams, rivers, and other areas subject to sudden flooding.

Power Outages

For information on power outages in your area visit the PG&E Outage Center Map.

Report Issues

• If you see downed power lines, call 9-1-1. Do not approach the wires. 
• Report blocked drains, downed trees, and other storm-related issues to the City of San José by calling 408-794-1900 or 311.
• Report creek blockages and local flooding to Valley Water.

Find A Warming Center

Warming Centers are available to anyone who needs to dry off, warm up, use a restroom, and charge devices during storms or cold weather. Amenities include heated rooms, Wi-Fi, and power outlets to charge devices. Service animals only are allowed at warming center locations.

All libraries and community centers are warm spaces open to the public during regular hours. Visit https://www.sjpl.org/locations-table for library hours and community center hours.

The County offers additional shelters and warming centers. Unhoused individuals seeking shelter can call the County’s Here4You Call Center at 408-385-2400 to find placement within the County.