Storm and Flood Preparedness

Our entire region and the state of California were hit hard 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.

The best time to prepare for storm weather is before the season begins. Understanding your home's vulnerability to storms, flooding, and wind is vital.

Millbrae residents can get sandbags at our sandbag filling station on Millbrae and Palm Ave.

Please be mindful of your neighbors and only take what you need so we have enough for everyone in need within our community.

San Mateo County Office of Education has posted up-to-date information regarding school closures. 

Sign up for emergency alerts with your address through the Countywide SMC Alert. For major road and highway information, please visit 511.org

To find a shelter near you please visit San Mateo County Connect.

Use an AM/FM battery-operated radio for the most up-to-date reports. 

  • KCBS 740 AM, San Francisco 
  • KQED 88.5 FM, San Francisco

Alerts

  1. There are no alerts at this time.

IMportant Numbers: 

View full list of emergency numbers here (LINK)

Emergency Line911
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Non-Emergency Dispatch (650) 363-4911
Central County Fire Department(650) 558-7600
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office - Millbrae Police Bureau (650) 259-2300

Emergency After-Hours Public Works (650) 363-4951
Public Work​​​​s(650) 259-2339
PG&E  (
800) 743-5000

Public Works Crews work to prepare throughout the year and during the storm weather season. 

  • Crews clear storm drains and catch basins throughout the City year-round and before a storm. 
  • Street sweeping occurs year-round and may increase in frequency before a storm. 
  • We test pump stations and all necessary equipment and monitor it throughout the storm. 
  • We monitor public trees and clear any fallen/hazardous trees.
  • We monitor areas with a history of flooding for storm conditions and provide sandbags to those specific areas. 
  • Sandbags are available at our Sandbag filling station on Millbrae Avenue between Palm and Hazel. 
  • Additional staff is made available to assist during intense storms. 
  • Staff coordinates with emergency services to prepare ahead of time and during a storm. 
  • Parks and the Spur Trail may be closed as a safety precaution. 
  1. 1 Storm Crews Working on Road

How you can prepare:

  • Prepare your home and surrounding area for storms by clearing gutters, checking that sump pumps work, and removing belongings from previously flooded areas. 
  • Put together an Emergency Kit that includes essential emergency equipment such as flashlights, generators, and a first aid kit—Review Fema's Emergency Kit Checklist
  • Sign up for emergency alerts with your address through the Countywide SMC Alert 
  • To monitor for power outages in your area, please visit PG&E Alerts Outage Center. For other PG&E-related emergencies, please call 1-800-745-5000. Ensure your devices are charged and plan backup power options if possible. 
  • Stay tuned to weather forecasts through the National Weather Service.
  • Know Your Zone. Zonehaven provides the community with critical evacuation updates, resources, and the latest updates on active incidents. Visit ZoneHaven Website to learn more.
  • Monitor park closures. For information on county park closures, please visit: https://www.smcgov.org/parks 
  • For all emergency after-hours water, street, sewer, and storm concerns, please call 650-363-4951. We want you to be safe. Please use 9-1-1 only for police, fire, and medical emergencies that impact life and safety, so the system isn’t overwhelmed. People should also call 9-1-1 for downed power lines and gas leaks.