Storm Safety Guide

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This page was last updated on Oct. 8, 2025.

During critical emergencies, please check our Emergency Response Updates webpage. Additional resources are also available on our Emergency Resources page.

Who to Call

Who to Call During Storms

Extreme Emergency (life at stake, fire, etc.): 911
Non-life-threatening emergency (mudslide, tree fell, road blocked, etc.): 650-595-7400
Downed traffic light, street pole, power pole: 911, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000
Flooding Report: 650-595-7425 (please leave a message)
Need storm-related, but non-emergency help, call 311.
Report an Outage: You may report outages and check the estimated time of power restoration by calling the PG&E 24-hour Power Outage Information Center at 1-800-743-5002 or visiting here.

Sandbag Stations

To assist residents during the rainy season, the Public Works Department has set up three Do-It-Yourself sandbag filling locations. These sandbag filling locations are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are stocked with sand, bags, and shovels for residents to fill their own sandbags. If able, please bring your own supplies. Residents are limited to 10 sandbags per residential address.

Stations are open always and available at the following three locations:

Public Works Corp Yard (110 Sem Lane)
Barrett Community Center parking lot (1870 Ralston Ave.)
Belmont City Hall (1 Twin Pines Lane)

Sandbags Station Locations

Storm Safety Tips

Belmont can be impacted by major weather storms, and we want our residents and business owners to be prepared. In the event of a storm on the Peninsula, we hope these resources and general safety guidelines help keep you, and your business and staff, and your loved ones safe.

1) Stay home. If you don't need to go out during a storm, please stay safe at home. Watch the local news to get up-to-the-minute reporting on weather patterns and warnings.

2) If you MUST go out, please follow the ROAD CLOSED or PARK TRAIL CLOSED signs near you. Closures are for your safety and though you might think it looks safe, staff have determined that it is not. Please find a different route to your destination or stay at home.

3) Charge your devices, test your flashlights, set aside drinking water -- be ready in the event of power loss including to your fridge, freezer, and stove (microwave). Do you have enough drinking water for 48 hours?
A car is surrounded by branches of a fallen tree - January 2023

4) Only call 911 for life and death emergencies.

5) Have an area of flooding concern, please call our Public Works number at 650-595-7425 and leave a message. We will get to all locations as soon as we can. Need to report a non-emergency to the Police Department? Call 650-595-7400. Leave a message for either number when you call, staff will prioritize and respond appropriately. Thank you for your patience.

Sandbag Station Jan 3 2023

6)Check on your neighbors. Whether they are elderly or new to California winter storms, checking on your neighbor, letting them know they are not alone, is the Belmont way.

7)During an emergency, please visit our Emergency Updates webpage for up to date information. Visit www.belmont.gov/news for the latest news updates and follow our social media channels.

Road/Park Trail Closures

Downed Power or Traffic Lights

During a storm, you may encounter downed power lines. Follow these reminders to keep you safe.

On The Street/Sidewalk:

Knocked down traffic signals and street light poles are dangerous. Never touch them.

For safety’s sake, always assume that a knocked down traffic signal or street light pole is live (energized), and follow these guidelines:

Avoid touching the knocked down traffic signal or street light pole with your hand or an object, such as a stick, broom or pole. The object in your hand may also become energized.

Avoid touching anything, such as a car, object or equipment, or anyone who is in contact with a knocked down traffic signal or street light pole. The ground surrounding an energized object or surrounding the source of power may also become energized. That means a pull box ten feet away or more may be energized. Especially if the lid is made of metal. Watch your step! Wet weather will only make matters worse.
Keep children and pets away from knocked down traffic signals or street light poles.
Call 911, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

In Your Car:

If your vehicle comes in contact with a knocked down traffic signal or street light pole, follow these safety rules:

Stay inside your car. The ground around your car may be energized.
Warn others to stay away. Anyone who touches the equipment or ground around your car can be injured.
Wait until the fire department, Belmont Public Works (or its after-hours contractor), or PG&E workers tell you it’s safe to get out of your car before exiting the vehicle.

In the event of a fire in your car, follow these guidelines when exiting your vehicle:

Remove loose items of clothing.
Keep your hands at your sides and jump clear of the vehicle, so you are not touching the car when your feet hit the ground.
Keep both feet close together and shuffle away from the vehicle without picking up your feet.

Hints of a mudslide

Recovery Resources

Outage Compensation

Did you experience a power or internet outage during our recent storms? If so, there are resources available. Find the links below for residents and businesses impacted by power or internet outages.

Claiming Compensation from PG&E for an outage

For outages lasting 48 hours or more, you can file a claim with PG&E here.

A residential customer who has gone without power for at least 48 hours because of severe storm conditions may qualify for an automatic payment under PG&E’s Safety Net program. Go here to learn how to submit a claim with PG&E.

Report an Outage

You may report outages and check the estimated time of power restoration by calling the PG&E 24-hour Power Outage Information Center at 1-800-743-5002 or visiting here.

Check Status and Claim Compensation from Comcast

You can search Comcast Xfinity outage locations here. Go to this page (scroll to the bottom) to check your eligibility to request an outage credit.

Media Contacts