SMC Alert

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REGISTER for SMC Alert TODAY!

SMC ALERT is an alert notification system used to immediately contact you during urgent or emergency situations. You can set alerts to send emergency and non-emergency text and voice messages to your:

  • email accounts
  • cell phones, smartphones, tablets
  • voice messages to landline phones (home & work)

SMC ALERT is free. (Your carrier may charge you a fee to receive alerts on your wireless device). SMC ALERT is available in all cities and towns in San Mateo County. Please read the FAQ's for more information.

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Wildfire Preparedness

Your wildfire preparedness should begin with personal safety and evacuation readiness, then Home hardening, then creating a Defensible Space around your home. Follow our links for tips to prepare your family and home.

wildfire prepered 

A program if IBHS

Wildfire Prepered

Please access the entire document by clinking HERE.

Visit the veb site. https://wildfireprepared.org/ 

FIREWISE COMMUNITIES/USA® RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Firewise Recognition Procedures

For more information, download the full document Firewise_Recognition_Procedures.pdf

Evacuation Preparedness

San Mateo Oct 24 2021 EVACUATION ORDER

Evacuation website from CAL FIRE: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/go-evacuation-guide/evacuation-steps/

CAL FIRE evacuation guide: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/wp-content/uploads/calfire_go_brochure_LINOweb.pdf

When immediate evacuation is necessary, follow these steps as soon as possible to get ready to GO!

EVACUATION WHAT TO TAKE AND DO:

  1. Review your Evacuation Plan Checklist.
  2. Ensure your Emergency Supply Kit is in your vehicle.
  3. Cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, heavy shoes/boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses. 100% cotton is preferable.
  4. Locate your pets and take them with you.

WHEN TO EVACUATE

Leave as soon as evacuation is recommended by fire officials to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. Don’t wait to be ordered by authorities to leave. Evacuating the forest fire area early also helps firefighters keep roads clear of congestion, and lets them move more freely to do their job. In an intense wildfire, they will not have time to knock on every door. If you are advised to leave, don’t hesitate!

  • Officials will determine the areas to be evacuated and escape routes to use depending upon the fire’s location, behavior, winds, terrain, etc.
  • Law enforcement agencies are typically responsible for enforcing an evacuation order. Follow their directions promptly.
  • You will be advised of potential evacuations as early as possible. You must take the initiative to stay informed and aware. Listen to your radio/TV for announcements from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
  • You may be directed to temporary assembly areas to await transfer to a safe location.

Do not return to your home until fire officials determine it is safe. Notification that it is safe to return home will be given as soon as possible considering safety and accessibility.

WHEN YOU RETURN HOME:

  • Be alert for downed power lines and other hazards.
  • Check propane tanks, regulators, and lines before turning gas on.
  • Check your residence carefully for hidden embers or smoldering fires.

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FIRE SAFE San Mateo County

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Evacuation Preparedness

Recent wildfires reinforce the importance of preparedness. When a wildfire strikes, seconds count. If you live in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), you must be prepared to evacuate at all times during fire-season. Follow our simple guide to help San Mateo residents prepare for and safely evacuate.

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Home Hardening

Your home's first line of defense against an approaching wildfire. At least 100' of Defensible Space is required by law to help slow or stop the spread of wildfire, protecting your home from direct flame contact and radiant heat, and catching or redirecting wind blown embers.

Learn More

Defensible Space

Your home's first line of defense against an approaching wildfire. At least 100' of Defensible Space is required by law to help slow or stop the spread of wildfire, protecting your home from direct flame contact and radiant heat, and catching or redirecting wind blown embers.

Learn More

Living With Fire

FIRE SAFE San Mateo County publishes the excellent "Living With Fire in San Mateo County" as a valuable resource for homeowners.  Updated in 2016, this magazine style resource is available in PDF and print formats.

Download today!

Projects

FIRE SAFE San Mateo County conducts a variety of local projects with grant and local funding, to provide education and fuel reduction to every San Mateo community.

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Our Programs

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  • Chipper Program

    What is the Chipper Program? The Chipper Program through Fire Safe San Mateo helps homeowners dispose of hazardous vegetation at no cost.

  • Grants

    Grant funding helps Fire Safe San Mateo accomplish its mission.

  • San Mateo County Fire History

    San Mateo County has a long history of devastating wildfires.

  • Fire Crews

    Fire Crews work year-round to reduce overgrowth and construct fuel breaks.

  • Shaded Fuel Breaks

    Shaded fuel breaks require less maintenance, are cheaper to construct, and protect communities.

  • Fire Codes

    Many San Mateo County Land Management and Fire Agencies cooperate to reduce fire hazards in the WUI.

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FIRE SAFE San Mateo provides wildfire safety and preparedness education, programs, and project management in San Mateo County, CA.

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