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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2024
Media Contact:
Kia Xiong
Media Line (408) 808-7866
Email: [email protected]
Warming Centers Extend Operations in Anticipation of Sunday’s Storm
Wind Advisory in effect for the Santa Clara Valley through Sunday Evening
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – Warming centers have extended days of operation through Monday, Feb.5, ahead of Sunday’s storm. Community members are encouraged to seek out the warming centers if they need a safe and warm place to stay during the storm.
The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for the entire Bay Area from 4 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Monday. A Wind Advisory will also be in effect for the Santa Clara Valley from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday with winds between 30-40 mph and isolated gusts reaching 50 mph.
County libraries are operating as warming centers to provide a safe, heated space for people seeking shelter from the cold. The City of San José libraries and community centers are operating as warming centers during regular business hours. For city libraries, go to www.sjpl.org/locations for hours and locations. For city community centers, please go to bit.ly/sjcommunitycenters.
Community members in Morgan Hill, Gilroy and San Martin who need overnight shelter are encouraged to call Brian Malicdem at (669) 286-0585, email at [email protected] or call the South County Compassion Center at (408) 763-7120 for a referral to the Community Christian Church Overnight Warming Location.
There are also other dedicated warming centers open across Santa Clara County. For a complete list warming centers, community members should go to the cold weather safety webpage at www.preparescc.org/coldweather.
"We continue to prepare to offer vital resources to the most vulnerable. The County libraries regularly operate as warming centers and provide refuge to those facing the cold," said Kathryn Kaminski, Deputy Director of the Office of Supportive Housing. "Outreach teams and community volunteers are in the field working with community service providers, visiting encampments to distribute supplies and raising awareness about the availability of warming centers, inclement weather shelter beds, and essential resources.”
The County of Santa Clara is actively monitoring the upcoming weather system expected to arrive on Sunday, Feb. 4. The County is continuing to coordinate emergency response efforts with local and state partners including the National Weather Service, Cal OES, Valley Water, PG&E, and 15 cities and towns.
“Preparation is key, and we urge our community members to take proactive measures now,” said Louay Toma, Acting Deputy Director. “Community members are strongly encouraged to sign up for AlertSCC to receive emergency alerts and warnings directly from the County and our trusted partners. They can sign up by going to www.alertscc.org.”
Sandbags are available at Valley Water sandbag distribution sites and are free to the public. Certain locations require community members to provide their own bags and shovels. For a complete list, go to https://www.valleywater.org/flooding-safety/flood-ready/sandbags.
Strong winds could create potential hazards including power outages and downed trees and powerlines. Community members should not touch downed powerlines, assume that they are live, and call their public utilities company. PG&E customers should call the PG&E customer service center at 1-800-743-5000. To report, track, and monitor PG&E electric outages, visit the PG&E Outage Center. Motorists should delay travel if possible and exercise extra caution when driving in stormy weather.
For additional information (in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog), visit www.preparescc.org.
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About the Office of Emergency Management
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is at the forefront of ensuring the safety and resilience of the Santa Clara County community. We remain steadfast, devoted to a core mission - safeguarding lives, protecting property, and preserving the environment. These values form the cornerstone of our existence, guiding us through the phases of emergency management, from emergency preparedness, prevention, and mitigation to the intricate coordination of response and recovery. We envision a future where disaster preparedness is not an individual burden, but a shared responsibility woven into the fabric of our community. This vision extends to every corner of the Operational Area, where we strive for a culture where every resident, every organization, and every entity is prepared.
Visit the OEM Website: www.preparescc.org
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