Staying Safe During Winter Storms
Whenever we have bad weather here in Belmont, it’s a good idea to revisit the basics of safe driving, preparing for power outages, and putting away items that may cause damage during high winds. For information and resources, please check out our Storm Safety Resources webpage.
Below, you'll find additional information on how we work to protect residents' personal and property safety during winter storms.
About Our Drainage System
Drainage is one of those basic City services that is often out of sight, out of mind--yet it is critically important. Our drainage and water pollution prevention infrastructure consists of:
- 28 miles of storm drainpipes
- Two storm pump stations
- A regulated dam at WaterDog Lake
- Public and private drainage facilities along East Laura Creek and Belmont Creek
For decades, we have required any new development to install and/or upgrade their associated drainage infrastructure. In older neighborhoods, as funding allows and thanks in part to the passage of Measure I, we have spent an average of $300,000-$500,000 annually to add or upgrade drainage facilities. However, in a 2007 Master Plan study, the cost to fully correct these deficiencies was estimated at $44 million. In 2013, these estimated costs were updated $57 million.
We have commissioned a new Stormwater Master Plan Update, which will use the 2007 Plan and all subsequent studies and adaptation to climate change impacts to identify strategies for planning, budgeting, and improving our storm drain system based on its physical condition, resiliency, and redevelopment plans.
In addition, in partnership with the County of San Mateo and City of San Carlos, we are working on the Creek Restoration Project and Stormwater Detention Basin Project. These will help address the severe erosion and bank failure in Twin Pines Park's creek bed and build a low flow basin, reducing downstream sediment and flooding. These projects are partially funded by nearly $9 million in State grants and contributions from our partner agencies.
Ongoing Maintenance Efforts
Drainage systems need constant attention to function well. Before a major storm, crews check pipes, channels, and other infrastructure to ensure they are free from obstructions that could block water flow.
When leaves, litter, and other harmful waste enter our storm drains, it can cause significant backups and harm wildlife and our environment. To combat this, we have a comprehensive preventative maintenance program including the inspection, monitoring, and maintenance of 1,400 storm drain inlets citywide. We also conduct routine street sweeping, with enhanced sweeping in the winter months, and have “No Dumping-Flows to Bay” placards installed on every storm drain across the City. Finally, we have installed trash capture devices in 69 storm drains where litter has been pervasive.
We need you! To help keep our waterways clean and unobstructed, we encourage residents to sign up for our Adopt-A-Drain Program.
How We Prepare
Even with all this work, some low-lying areas can experience flooding during significant storms. That’s why the final key to managing our drainage system is scheduling crews in the field during winter storms. These staff remove fallen branches from roads and clear blocked drains. We even have a special truck, which acts as a giant wet vac on wheels, on standby for water removal.
How You Can Prepare
Residents can do their part by keeping an eye on gutters in their neighborhoods and calling our Public Works Department at (650) 595-7425 if something needs attention.
We also recommend keeping this contact list easily accessible.
- Extreme Emergency (life at stake, fire, etc.): 911
- Non-life-threatening emergency (mudslide, fallen tree, road blockage, etc.): (650) 595-7400
- Downed traffic light, street pole, power pole: 911, then PG&E at (800) 743-5000
- Flooding report: (650) 595-7425 (please leave a message)
- Storm-related need (not an emergency help: 211
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