When a Flood Warning is Issued

Look and Listen for Flood Warnings

The Milpitas community will be advised of flood hazard warnings through AlertSCC notification, public radio broadcast:1620AM, KMLP-15, and through television announcements.

AlertSCC is the City’s emergency notification system.  Please register your cell phone to receive warning notifications at Alertscc.org

For additional information on the City’s flood warning and emergency response plan contact City Office of Emergency Services, Fire Department Headquarters, 777 South Main Street, (408) 586-2801.

Flooding can happen anywhere in Milpitas during times of extreme rainfall. Flooding typically occurs after several days of heavy rain where the ground becomes saturated and additional rain causes surface run-off and where creeks overtop their banks and levees.

Flooding is dangerous in that it can strike quickly with no warning. When facing any type of emergency, it is always better to be prepared. Learn how you can prepare for flooding as well as what steps to take during and after flooding occurs.

 

Before a Flood Hazard Event

  1. Prepare a family disaster plan and emergency kit for your home and car with supplies.
  2. Store important documents and valuables in a safe deposit box.
  3. Designate a family meeting spot such as the Police Station, Public Library, etc.
  4. Know the flood hazards of your community and plan escape routes to high ground.
  5. Seal cracks and openings in foundations and exterior walls around your structure.
  6. Gather building materials like plywood, plastic sheeting and sandbags.
  7. Sandbags can be obtained from the City of Milpitas Public Works Maintenance locations:
  • Corporation Yard: 1265 North Milpitas Boulevard (408) 586-2600
  • Milpitas Sports Center: 1325 E. Calaveras Blvd,
  • Hall Memorial Park: 304 La Honda Drive
  • Contact the Santa Clara Valley Water District (408) 265-2600

Bags are provided and patrons fill the bags using their own shovels.

Sandbags can be purchased at hardware and home improvement stores.

 

  1. Keep rain gutters and drainage channels free of debris.
  2. Know your neighborhood streams and drainage channel locations (learn more about local watersheds and our creeks and rivers at Santa Clara Valley Water District Watershed Informationpage
  3. Learn how to turn off house utilities. Keep your car’s gas tank full.
  4. Purchase flood insurance.

flood 

During a Flood Hazard Event

  • Monitor the level of water in the street and gutter or flood control channel.
  • Stay away from flooded areas and swollen creeks.
  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If a flood is imminent, avoid low-lying areas and seek shelter in the highest area possible.
  • Stay tuned to the radio (RADIO MILPITAS 1620 AM) or TV (Channel 15) for emergency information.
  • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Turn off gas only if you smell gas.
  • If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Evacuation is easier and safer before flood waters become too deep. Be especially cautious at night.
  • Moving water is dangerous. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where it is not moving. Use a stick or other instrument to check the firmness of the ground in front of you and to aid in balance. Visit the National Weather Servicefor more information on staying safe during a flood.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground. A foot of water will cause many vehicles to float. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pick-ups.
  • Check for real-time data on stream, reservoir and precipitation gauge information at valleywater.org/services/alert.aspx.

 

For more information on flooding, please contact the City of Milpitas Land Development Engineering Principal Civil Engineer (408) 586-3316.