STORM AND FLOODING RESOURCES

Preparedness & Response

Emergency Information

  • Residents should call 2-1-1 to be directed to the appropriate resources. Operators can provide information on sandbag resources, city and county contact information, road conditions, and mental health resources. 

  • Sign up for County emergency alerts through SMCAlert and to city emergency alerts by texting your zip code to 888777. 

  • The County has launched a storm-related information page on their website with information on sandbag locations, shelters, and evacuation. 

  • For mental health support, call or text 988 or 1-800-273-8255.

Key Safety Measures

  • If you are advised to evacuate, do not delay. You can check your evacuation zone through the Zonehaven map on the County website. If you are directed to evacuate, you will receive directions to an evacuation point and shelter will be provided, regardless of immigration status. 

  • Avoid driving through flooded areas, and avoid touching floodwater, which can be toxic. Wear boots and gloves if you must interact with floodwater. See the County’s guidelines on health and safety in flooded areas.

Sandbags

The County has updated sandbag locations on its website with a list of city sandbag locations available in PDF form. Residents are encouraged to follow their jurisdiction’s social media for updates on availability and additional locations for sandbag distribution sites. 

Inclement Weather Program for Unhoused Individuals

The County operates an Inclement Weather Program that increase shelter capacity during harsh weather conditions. Unhoused individuals should seek shelter through the nearest core service agency during normal business hours. An after-hours number is available for nonprofits that refer unhoused individuals to shelters. If shelters fill up, alternative shelter will become available.

Stay Updated

During storms and other hazard events, Thrive RISE will be in communication with nonprofits, emergency managers, and other agencies throughout the storm to help communicate needs and coordinate responses. See Thrive's  Storm and Flood Recovery page, and sign up for notifications by subscribing to the Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) mailing list.

Recovery

  • FEMA’s Individual Assistance program provides direct financial assistance to residents impacted by storms whose related costs are not covered by insurance. Eligible cost categories include temporary housing, repair/replacement of owner-occupied homes, repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, or funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care, and funerals.

  • Residents may refer to the disaster resource recovery guides released by Congresswoman Eshoo’s office available in English and Spanish. If you have issues with your FEMA or SBA application, contact her office at (650) 323-2984.

DISPLACEMENT AND HOUSING IMPACTS

  • If you know of households whose dwellings have been impacted by the recent storms and need immediate shelter, call 2-1-1 for the latest information on shelter or call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

LEGAL AID

  • The Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative is a collaborative made up of made up of legal aid organizations, law firms, non-profits, FEMA, and the Red Cross. They offer free legal assistance to those impacted by disasters, anywhere in the state of California.

  • The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County serves low-income residents of San Mateo County with civil legal matters including health care, housing, public benefits, special education services, domestic violence, immigration, and elder abuse.

GENERAL HELP, SERVICES, AND REFERRALS

Refer to the core service agency closest to you. These agencies provide multiple social services and can provide referrals to other services. 

GROCERIES

  • Second Harvest continues to provide groceries at its normal distribution sites. Any changes in location or hours will be reflected in its Find Food Tool. 

  • If at any time an active CalFresh household experiences a loss of food, County of San Mateo Human Services Agency (HSA) can request a replacement of benefits. Residents should call this number: 1-800-223-8383 to report the loss.

MENTAL HEALTH

  • For mental health support, text 988 or call 1-800-273-8255.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

  • Intimate partner violence, or domestic violence, often heightens during disasters. If you are experiencing domestic violence, CORA operates a 24-hours a day crisis and counseling hotline at 1-800-300-1080. Call to learn about CORA’s other services or visit their website.  

HEALTH AND SAFETY

INSURANCE

  • Most homeowners and renters insurance policies do not cover water damage, but you should check your policy for any flood coverage endorsement, as well as coverage for wind damage, if applicable. If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance provider to initiate a claim.

  • Nonprofits like United Policyholders may be able to help you navigate the insurance claim process.

  • Comprehensive auto insurance will usually cover flood and wind damage to covers. If your vehicle sustained damaged in the storm, call your auto insurance company to initiate a claim.

  • To purchase flood insurance for future events, contact your local insurance provider. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), managed by FEMA, is usually the most affordable option. Additionally discounted rates may be available if your local government participates in the Community Rating System (CRS).

APPLIANCE REPLACEMENT

  • Peninsula Clean Energy offers several financial incentive programs to replace damaged appliances or cars with electric versions. Check program guidelines for more information about eligibility.

    • Water Heater Rebates are offered up to $3,000 with no income limits.

    • Home Furnace and A/C Rebates are offered up to $3,500 with no income limits.

    • 0% Loans for Home Improvements are offered up to $10,000 with no income limits to install electric water heaters, heating and A/C,  and energy efficiency upgrades.

    • Used Electric Vehicle Incentives are offered up to $6,000, income limits apply.

      All of Peninsula Clean Energy’s incentive programs can be combined with additional incentives, such as new federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act climate bill.

HOME REPAIR

  • The Small Home Repair Program covers certain types of home repair for eligible residents. Programs are managed by nonprofits and funded by the County and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Eligibility is typically determined by income, age, or disability status, and repair may be limited to certain categories. Please see home repair program guidelines on individual nonprofit pages. 

    • Rebuilding Together Peninsula works year-round to provide healthy-housing repairs for qualifying low-income homeowners and non-profit community facilities throughout San Mateo County and Palo Alto. Eligible recipients can receive repair and renovation work, at no cost, including window & door insulation, roof repairs, mold remediation, floor repair, painting, and much more. Our work helps prevent future repair needs, and preserves safe homes and communities for everyone. Contact us today for more information and to apply.

MORE RECOVERY RESOURCES WILL BE ADDED AS THEY ARE IDENTIFIED OR BECOME AVAILABLE.

 


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