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Emergency Services - Emergency Preparedness

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1. What's AlertSCC?

AlertSCC is a free, easy and confidential way for anyone who lives or works in Santa Clara County to get emergency warnings sent directly to their cell phone, mobile device, email or landline. Sign up for AlertSCC by visiting www.alertscc.com.

2. Where can I get sandbags, when available?

The Santa Clara Valley Water District is the source of sandbag supplies. The sites in San José include:

- Alviso, northeast corner of Gold and Catherine streets

- Mabury Service Yard, 1404 Mabury Road, 95133

- City Central Service Yard, 1661 Senter Road at Phelan Ave., 95122

- Santa Clara Valley Water District Winfield Warehouse, Winfield Boulevard between Blossom Hill Road and Coleman Avenue, 95123

During storms, the sites may only be stocked with sand and empty bags. While shovels are provided at these sites, you may want to bring one with you just in case.

Residents are advised that sandbags are most effective when used to prevent flooding from one foot or less of water from entering a home or business through doorways and garage door openings; and are cautioned to take only 20 to 30 bags per vehicle. Please take only what you need.

For more information about sandbags, visit http://www.valleywater.org/sandbags.

Sandbag Distribution Map

3. Do I need a permit to trim a tree?

For street trees, the answer is yes. A permit is required to plant, prune or remove street trees. Street trees in most residential and commercial areas are maintained by the adjacent property owner.

View list of registered tree service companies.

Request a street tree permit.

4. What items should a basic emergency supply kit contain?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that a basic emergency supply kit include the following items:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

5. What's an Emergency Operations Center?

An Emergency Operations Center or EOC is located in a central, secure facility where the City can provide interagency coordination, allocate resources, and support management of the incident.

6. What's meant by shelter-in-place?

When local officials tell you to shelter-in-place, the intention is to keep you safe while remaining indoors. It means to find a a small, interior room, with no or few windows, and take refuge there.

Typically, the instructions to shelter-in-place means to shelter for a few hours, not days or weeks at a time. Keep listening to your radio or TV until you are told it's safe.