Why Prepare
A little preparation can make a big difference in an emergency situation. Find out more and get checklists to help you get ready at home, at work, and in your community. Get ready today!
Sandbag locations around San Mateo County
Video Library
Emergency Preparedness Online Resources
Preparedness Information
- Ready.gov. National citizen preparedness
- Prepare.org. National American Red Cross disaster preparedness
- NFPA.org. National Fire Protection Association – Educational Materials
National and State Agencies
- United States Geological Society (USGS) Earthquake program site
- Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Regional planning agency
- National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emergency preparedness and response
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental emergency information
- California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
- CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection information
- FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Fire Safe San Mateo County fire protection organization
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of Hazardous Materials Safety
- Health Department of San Mateo County
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Division
- National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center
- National Weather Service Forecast Office San Francisco Bay/Monterey
- SMC Alert San Mateo County's public alert notification system – sign up today
Non-Governmental Agencies
- American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter
- National Organization on Disability (NOD) Emergency Preparedness Initiative (EPI) program
- National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)
- Peninsula Humane Society Pet disaster preparedness
- Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Preparedness information
Sandbag Pick-Up Locations
County residents in unincorporated areas may pick up sandbags free of charge at the following locations. There is a limit of 15 premade sandbags. In addition to premade sandbags, the County provides materials for individuals to fill as many bags as they need on their own. Requests for additional premade bags will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Emergency Phone Numbers
San Mateo County Department of Public Works Emergency Line (24 Hours)
(650) 363-4100
San Mateo County Department of Public Works (Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm)
(650) 363-4100
San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services (OES)
(650) 363-4790
California Office of Emergency Services
(916) 464-1013
To report downed wires or power lines, a power outage, a gas leak or other related emergency, call PG&E
(800) 743-5000 OR 911
Red Cross Disaster Services
(650) 259-1750
