Preparing for a big blow from El Nino

From flood insurance to cleaning rain gutters, there are things you can do

The following tips are compiled from those supplied by the city of Palo Alto, FEMA and the Santa Clara Valley Water District. Also, the city of Palo Alto will send a flood advisory insert in utility bills from today, Oct. 15, to Nov. 15.

Flood insurance: If you live in a potential flood zone, you should already have flood insurance or have elevated your house. If you're interested in purchasing flood insurance, contact your homeowner's insurance carrier. Such insurance will also cover street flooding for people not in designated flood zones. Be mindful that there may be a waiting period before the insurance goes into effect. If you want to know if your home is in a flood zone, check the city of Palo Alto's Web site and go to the flood zone link, or call the city's Public Works Department at 496-6974.

Clean gutters and trim trees: Check and clean drains and rain gutters around your property, and inspect and trim trees. If trees are interfering with power lines, call the city public works department. (Palo Alto: 496-6974; East Palo Alto: 853-3100; Menlo Park: 858-3490; Atherton: 688-6533)

No leaves in street: Don't sweep leaves into streets, as they will eventually cause storm drain blockages.

Stock up on supplies: Have emergency supplies on hand: flashlights and extra batteries; a portable, battery-operated radio; first aid kit; emergency food and water; portable can opener; essential medicines; cash and credit cards; sturdy shoes. Also, develop a family emergency communication plan. Coordinate with neighborhood groups, many of whom have emergency plans. Make sure neighbors with special needs (such as limited mobility) are taken care of.

Don't dump in creeks: Never dump anything into a creek or storm drain, as it could obstruct the water flow. Report debris or creek and storm drain blockages. To report creek debris in Palo Alto, call the Santa Clara Valley Water District at (408) 265-2600. Elsewhere, call your city's public works department to report blockages or storm drain problems.

When flooding occurs:

If you're in a car, don't drive through standing water. If your car stalls, abandon it and move to higher ground.

Stay away from rain-swollen creeks. If your home or business is in imminent danger of flooding, turn off the water, gas and electricity and move valuables away.

In case of imminent flooding, you can obtain sandbags from five locations throughout the city: 1. Palo Alto Airport terminal building (filled sandbags from the Santa Clara Valley Water District). 2. Greer Park at the corner of Colorado Avenue and West Bayshore Road. 3. Mitchell Park parking lot. 4. Hoover School, 800 Barron Ave. 5. Palo Alto Avenue and Hale Street.

Who to call

For more information:

National Weather Service, 364-7974/www.nws.mbay.net

Santa Clara Valley Water District, 1-888-HEY-NOAH (439-6624)/www.scvwd.dst.ca.us

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 923-7100/www.fema.gov

Emergency numbers:

City of Palo Alto Public Works Department, 496-6974

City of Palo Alto Communications (after hours), 329-2413

Santa Clara Valley Water District, (408) 265-2600

Caltrans, 358-4133

City of Palo Alto Utilities Customer Service (business hours), 329-2161

City Palo Alto Utilities Electric Dispatch (after hours), 496-6914

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