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Flood Preparedness
Federal Disaster Assistance - Apply by March 16
Homeowners and renters in San Mateo County with damage or losses due to the series of New Year’s storms can apply for federal disaster assistance.
Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs as well as other serious disaster-related needs such as medical and dental expenses, transportation, childcare and moving and storage expenses. The deadline to apply is March 16, 2023.
We are continuing to respond to impacts from the recent storms that have significantly impacted our region. For the latest forecast updates, visit www.weather.gov/mtr/
Visit our San Mateo Creek & Storm Impacts page if you live near the creek.
Sign up for SMC Alerts with your home address to receive notifications of an emergency that may impact you.
| Sandbags Available to San Mateo Residents |
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Our self-serve sandbag stations is open to City of San Mateo residents: Corp Yard at 1949 Pacific Blvd. Sandbag Rules
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Countywide Resources & Shelter Services
- Call 2-1-1
- The City will establish a temporary shelter if evacuations are needed. Call 2-1-1 for shelter services.
Local Resources
- Expanded Health & Safety Guidelines for Residents with Flooded Homes: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/expanded-health-safety-guidelines-residents-flooded-homes
- County Storm-Related Emergency Information: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/county-storm-related-emergency-information
- Flooding Resources: https://www.smchealth.org/flood
- Rebuilding Together Peninsula: https://www.rebuildingtogetherpeninsula.org/apply-for-repairs/
- Winter Storm Preparedness Tips: https://www.smcgov.org/media/41941/download?inline=
State/ National Resources
- Flood Recovery: https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/flooding#recover
- Recovering from Disaster: https://www.ready.gov/recovering-disaster
- Flood Safety: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html
- Get Help: https://www.redcross.org/get-help.html
- Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance: https://www.hud.gov/states/california/library/disasterrelief
We respond to many calls throughout our community and ask for your patience as we must prioritize how we respond. Please note the City does not manage private property, and private property owners are responsible for maintaining their own property including clearing downed trees.
To report flooding, a clogged drain or a downed tree on public property - please call (650) 522-7300, if it is after hours call 650-522-7700.
Important Phone Numbers
- Report Flooding, Clogged Drain, Sewer Overflow or Downed Trees: Call 650-522-7300.
- Report Other Non-emergency Issues: Call dispatch 650-522-7700.
- Report Downed Powerline: To report a downed powerline call 911.
Please DO NOT call 911 to report flooded roadways and clogged drains. It is important that we keep 911 telephone lines clear for life-threatening emergencies.
Flooded Homes & County Health
San Mateo County Public Health has expanded health and safety guidelines for residents with flooded homes.
Be Prepared & Safety Tips
- Get prepared in advance – get any supplies, groceries, sandbags etc.
- Charge your devices, test your flashlights, set aside drinking water -- be ready in the event of power loss
- Avoid driving or being out on the roads between 3pm and 3am. If you must drive, NEVER DRIVE THROUGH A FLOODED ROAD
- If you have a storm drain outside your home, consider adopting it to help clear it of debris prior to the rain www.cityofsanmateo.org/adoptadrain
- Tend to your household. If you live near water (creek, lagoon, hillside etc), shore up your property. Secure outside furniture and garbage cans.
- Check on your neighbors. Whether they are elderly or new to California winter storms, checking on your neighbor, letting them know they are not alone
- Follow us on social media for updates
- Sign up for emergency alerts through the Countywide SMC Alert http://www.smcalert.info/ and for San Mateo Police Department’s Nixle https://www.nixle.us/san-mateo-ca-police-department
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How the City is Preparing & Responding
- Teams are out re-clearing storm water catch basins and trash racks throughout the city
- In areas more prone to flooding, for safety reasons we may proactively close roads and provide detours
- Testing stormwater pump stations and planning for operational needs throughout the storm
- Preparing for additional staffing to assist during the storm
- Maintaining a sandbag station at the Corp Yard
- Lowering the Marina Lagoon even further below typical winter levels
- Coordinating with the County and neighboring cities
- Opening our Emergency Operations Center to coordinate our City response
- We monitor areas with a history of flooding for storm conditions. Read more about these flood-vulnerable areas that are part of the FEMA Flood Zone.
- Our City Council has declared a State of Emergency
Emergency Preparedness Resources
San Mateo Consolidated Fire's Office of Emergency Services maintains a robust list of resources for your own emergency planning. Preparing before an emergency can make a big difference when you have little time to spare.- 511.org: Latest Traffic Reports
- National Weather Service: Bay Area Weather Updates
Traffic & Road Closure Updates
Major road and highway information: 511.org: Latest Traffic Reports