Community Bulletin

Community Security

• Get to know your neighbors and consider forming a neighborhood watch

• Check your home for safety measures using a home security checklist

• Consider installing:

  • A home alarm system

  • A visible outdoor security camera

  • A locking mailbox to prevent mail theft

  • Motion-activated lighting

Learn more on the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office website, and report any non-emergency crime or security concerns by dialing (650) 363-4911.

Fire Safety

• Cut dry grass.

• Remove hazardous vegetation (flashy fuels and dead vegetation) a minimum of 30 ft. inside your property perimeter (re new Woodside Dist. Fire Code).

• Create a defensible space around your house (100 ft. re new statewide Fire Code). This does not mean clear cutting, but thinning and eliminating dead material and “ladder fuels.” (FYI: Fire Dept may ticket noncompliance-- up to $500.)

Learn more on the Woodside Fire Protection District website, and report any non-emergency fire safety concerns by dialing (650) 851-1594.

Emergency Preparedness

• Earthquake Preparation - Comprehensive information from USGS, including 7 steps to preparing for earthquakes. 

• Disaster Preparedness - Information for San Francisco Bay Area residents to prepare for disasters.

• Wildland Fire Mitigation - Excellent booklet from San Mateo County of "Living with Fire."

• Wildfire Ready-Set-Go! - Cal-Fire sponsored website with simple steps you can take to dramatically increase the chance of your home surviving a wildfire.

• Consider taking the 6-week disaster training course as part of the national government's CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Training) program, usually taught in the Spring and the Fall one evening per week by Woodside Fire Protection District through their CERPP (Citizens Emergency Response and Preparedness Program).

• More resources to help you prepare

• Sign up for San Mateo County's Community Alert System

In the case of an emergency, please tune your radio to Portola Valley's emergency broadcast station at AM 1680 to hear local updates and any emergency instructions. You can also stream this radio station via the internet at http://bit.ly/AM1680PortolaValley.

Tips for Staying Safe in Mountain Lion Country

• Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.

• Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active – dawn, dusk, and at night.

• Keep a close watch on small children.

• Do not approach a mountain lion.

• If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.

• If attacked, fight back.

A Note on Noise

Westridge residents are drawn to the rural and peaceful nature of the area. The Town of Portola Valley has established an ordinance to regulate and control disturbing, excessive, and offensive noise. Here is a helpful summary: