Winter weather safety in Menlo Park: How to stay prepared

Published on November 18, 2024

As we head into wet weather season, the City of Menlo Park is prepared for upcoming winter weather and closely monitors the weather forecast for storms. Safety is our community’s top priority and we want to help you best prepare for potential incoming storms and emergencies.

Below are material resources to help protect your home and property.

Free sand at three locations

Residents can pick up sand and empty bags to prepare for wet weather starting Monday, Nov. 25. Sandbags can be used to redirect and divert water away from your home or business. Please remember to bring a shovel.

Menlo Park has three sandbag stations at the following locations:  

• Burgess Park parking lot at Alma Street and Burgess Drive
• Fire Station 77 at 1467 Chilco St.
• Temporary pop-up at Pope St. Island: 222 Laurel Ave.

Visit the sandbags web page for instructions on how to fill them. Please remember to bring a shovel.

There are also several ways you can protect your property from flood damage before the flood occurs.

If there is an imminent flood threat, you can take these emergency measures:

• Place sandbags or plastic sheeting in front of doorways and other low entry points.
• Elevate furniture above flood protection levels.
• Move valuables to a higher level.
• Create floodway openings in non-habitable areas such as garage doors.
• Seal off sewer lines to the dwelling to prevent backflow of sewer waters.

Visit the storms and flooding web page for more information.

Rake debris away from clogged storm drains

If you see localized flooding due to clogged storm drains, please rake the debris away from the drains to let the water flow. If the flooding persists and it’s a weekday during business hours, please submit a service request through the City’s online service request platform, ACT Menlo Park. If the flooding continues during the weekend and/or after hours, please call the non-emergency Police Department.

• Police non-emergency: 

  650-330-6300 (Including after hours) 

• Public Works for fallen trees, sandbags, streets, mudslides and storm drains:

  ACT Menlo Park (Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

To prepare for storms

• Subscribe to notifications from the City
  • Emergency Alerts via SMC Alert: Sign up at menlopark.gov/SMCAlert.
  • City news, non-emergency updates and preparedness messages: Sign up at menlopark.gov/weeklydigest.
  • Social media: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Nextdoor. View all of our social media channels.
• Residents who live near flood-prone areas are encouraged to move their vehicle a block or two from the threatened area, if possible. All residents are encouraged to avoid parking near storm drains or inlets where vehicle tires or other debris may obstruct water flow.
• Prepare for the chance of flooding if you live near the creek.
• Know Your Zone for evacuations.
• Pack a "go bag" to help evacuate quickly. Stock up on necessary medications. Have insurance information handy. Plan for your pets, too.
• Have extra supplies at home in case roads are closed or power outages occur
• Check on your neighbors and offer assistance, if you can. Help pack sandbags if someone needs a hand.
• Check and help clear storm drains in your neighborhood. Consider using a rake and clearing any debris (leaves, twigs, etc.) that may have accumulated. Place organic matter into your compost bins.