Palo Alto, CA -- With the National Weather Service predicting strong winds and heavy precipitation in the Bay Area over the weekend, City of Palo Alto staff are making sure that plans and resources are in place to respond. A cross-departmental team is meeting to coordinate emergency preparations, review procedures, and discuss various weather scenarios.

All departments involved in winter storm emergency response, including Police, Fire, Utilities, Public Works, Information Technology, and Communications, have personnel on notice to respond as needed throughout the weekend. There will be personnel monitoring weather conditions and creek levels around the clock. If dangerous conditions arise, the decision will be made to activate the Emergency Operations Center.

"We're watching conditions carefully and our crews are ready to respond," said City Manager Frank Benest. "We need Palo Alto residents to be ready as well, to help themselves and their neighbors in case serious flooding materializes."

One important way residents can help is to keep leaves and debris out of streets, gutters, and catch basins.

Attached is a list of resources for residents.

Winter Storm Preparedness Information
Life Threatening Emergencies	9-1-1
Emergency Information Recording	329-2420
Sandbag Locations	Airport (at the end of Embarcadero Road) Greer Park (Colorado at W. Bayshore)
Creek Monitor	http://www.city.palo-alto.ca.us/earlywarning/creeklevels.html (Please log off after viewing to avoid overloading the site.)
Power Outages / Downed Utility Lines	496-6914
Palo Alto Police Department	329-2413 (non emergency) 321-4433 (emergency number from cell phones)
Blocked Storm Drains	496-6974 Mon- Fri 7 am to 5 pm 329-2413 after hours
Fallen Trees	496-5953 Mon-Fri 7am to 5 pm 329-2413 after hours

###