Storm & Flood Preparedness

Sandbag Corp Yard public Opens in new window

In 2023, voters passed the Community Flood and Storm Protection Fee, which provides a reliable funding source for maintaining and improving the City’s aging stormwater system. City Council subsequently ratified and enacted the Fee in 2024, and the Department of Public Works will be using the funding for long-deferred maintenance and improvement activities.

The City is taking proactive steps to prepare for future rainy seasons, and we encourage residents to do the same.

Sandbags Available to San Mateo Residents
Visit our sandbag web page for more information & locations.

The sandbag stations are now open 24/7.

Our self-serve sandbag stations are open to City of San Mateo residents during the wet weather season.

Sandbag Rules
  • MAXIMUM 10 bags per vehicle
  • MUST be a San Mateo resident or Property Owner (be prepared to show proof of residency/ownership)
  • BRING your own shovel & heavy-duty trash bags - Sand and bags will be provided while supplies last - bring your own heavy-duty trash bags in case bags run out.
  • MUST be able to fill the bags yourself (these are self-serve locations)

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 
  • 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.
  1. Be Prepared
  2. Who to Call
  3. Resources & Recovery Information

Be Prepared & Safety Tips

  • Get prepared in NOW – get any supplies, groceries, sandbags, etc. in advance. Build an emergency kit today!
  • 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
  • Avoid driving or being out on the roads during storms. 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 
  • Review preparedness lists & tips from FEMA's Ready.Gov and San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department  
  • 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