Belle Air Storm Flooding Checklist: Before, During and After

Belle Air sits in one of the lowest parts of San Bruno, close to SFO and the last stretch of San Bruno Creek before it reaches the Bay. When heavy rain lines up with a high tide, the creek cannot drain well, and water can back up into streets, garages and homes. This checklist walks through what to do before a storm, while it is happening, and after the water goes down.

Why does Belle Air flood more than other parts of San Bruno?

Belle Air is low and flat, near where San Bruno Creek meets the Bay. During heavy rain and high tides, creek water and storm drains back up into the neighborhood.

Stormwater from much of San Bruno drains toward San Bruno Creek. The creek runs past highways, the airport and rail lines before reaching a tide gate at the Bay. When the tide is high, that gate limits how fast water can leave. Add a long winter storm, and water has nowhere to go but back up through low storm drains and onto streets like those near 7th Avenue and around SR-380. Regional agencies, including OneShoreline, are working on long-term improvements, but in the meantime, preparation at home makes a real difference.

Before Storm Season: The Prep Checklist

Do these in the fall, before the first big storm:

• Clear gutters and downspouts, and make sure downspouts carry water away from the house
• Clear leaves and debris from the storm drain in front of your home
• Move valuables, documents and electronics off garage floors and onto shelves
• Raise appliances in the garage on blocks or platforms where possible
• Test your sump pump if you have one, and get a battery backup
• Check weatherstripping at the bottom of garage and exterior doors
• Make a list of important phone numbers, including (650) 822-6798 for water damage help
• Know where your main water shutoff and electrical panel are
• Read through your insurance policy and ask your agent about flood coverage
• Take photos of your home and belongings for your records

Sandbags and Flood Barriers

Sandbags work best when placed before water arrives. The city has offered sandbags behind Fire Station 51 at 555 El Camino Real; check the City of San Bruno's website before a storm for current locations and availability.

How to place sandbags well:

• Fill bags about halfway so they lie flat
• Place them in a row across doorways and garage doors, overlapping the ends
• Stack in a pyramid if you need more height
• Press each bag down firmly so there are no gaps
• Put plastic sheeting behind the bags for a better seal

Sandbags slow water down; they do not make a home waterproof. Keep valuables up high anyway.

When a Storm Warning Is Issued

• Check tide times along with the rain forecast; heavy rain at high tide is the highest risk
• Move cars to higher ground if your street floods
• Move belongings off ground floors and garage floors
• Place sandbags at doors and garage openings
• Charge phones and keep flashlights ready
• Sign up for San Mateo County emergency alerts

During the Storm

• Stay out of floodwater; it can hide hazards and carries bacteria
• Do not drive through flooded streets
• If water starts entering the house, turn off power to affected areas only if you can reach the panel without standing in water
• Unplug electronics on lower floors if it is safe
• Avoid using sinks, toilets and washing machines if drains are backing up
• Call 911 if you are in danger

After the Water Goes Down

The first day after a flood matters most. Here is what to do:

• Wait until it is safe to enter, and keep power off in wet areas
• Photograph and video everything before cleanup starts
• Call (650) 822-6798 to start extraction and drying
• Wear boots and gloves; floodwater is contaminated
• Throw away food, medicine and cosmetics that touched floodwater
• Do not use a household vacuum on water
• Keep a record of everything you throw away
• Contact your insurance company to start a claim

Why Floodwater Cleanup Is Different

Water from outside is classified as Category 3, or black water. It can carry sewage, chemicals and bacteria. That means carpet, pad, upholstered furniture and drywall it touched usually need to be removed, and all surfaces need to be cleaned and disinfected before drying. Simply drying things out is not enough. More details are on the storm and flood damage page.

Garages Take the Hit First

In Belle Air and other low areas, garages are usually the first place water enters. Many hold water heaters, washers, dryers and stored belongings. After a flood, have gas appliances checked before using them, and dry the garage fully before putting things back. See flooded garage cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help After a Storm?

If storm water got into your Belle Air home, call (650) 822-6798. A crew is dispatched immediately to pump out water, clean and disinfect, and dry everything properly. Learn more about flood damage restoration in San Bruno.

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