- Home
- Gov
- Departments
- Public Works
- FEMA & Flood Protection
- Flood Preparedness
Flood Preparedness
Our entire region and the state of California were hard-hit by the winter storms of 2022-23. The City is taking proactive steps to prepare for the upcoming rainy season, and we encourage residents to do the same.
Community Flood & Stormwater Protection Initiative
In addition to near-term efforts, the City is working on the Community Flood & Storm Protection Initiative, which seeks to establish a reliable funding sources for stormwater infrastructure and system improvements. Property owners will receive a mailed ballot to vote on the proposed stormwater fee in fall 2023.
How You Can be Prepared:
- Get prepared NOW – get any supplies, groceries, sandbags etc. in advance.
- Stay tuned to weather forecasts at www.weather.gov/mtr/
- Clear gutters around your home, check sump pumps, and remove belongings from areas that have flooded in the past
- Charge your devices and be prepared for potential power outages - visit PG&E's outage map for updates
- If you are able, avoid driving or being out on the roads during heavy rains. If you must drive, NEVER DRIVE THROUGH A FLOODED ROAD
- Review preparedness resources and checklists from San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department
- Sign up for emergency alerts with your address through the Countywide SMC Alert http://www.smcalert.info/ and San Mateo Police alerts at www.nixle.com
Sandbags Available to San Mateo Residents |
---|
Our self-serve sandbag stations will open to City of San Mateo residents during the wet weather season at: Corp Yard at 1949 Pacific Blvd. We will be opening additional sandbag stations for the 2023-24 winter season. More details to come. Sandbag Rules
|
How the City is Preparing & Responding
- Leading up to and through the wet weather season, 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 intense storms
- Maintaining a sandbag station at the Corp Yard
- Marina Lagoon will be held at lower operating levels and may be staffed 24/7 during extreme storm events
- Arborists monitor public trees
- We coordinate with the County and neighboring cities
- 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.
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 Updates
Visit San Mateo Police Department's Nixle page for local updates
Sign up for County of San Mateo's SMC Alert system for countywide road closure and traffic updates
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
Please do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency.
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.
Countywide Resources & Shelter Services
- The County and/or 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
Traffic & Road Closure Updates
Major road and highway information: 511.org: Latest Traffic Reports