Start with the Basics

Make Your Address Visible

Seconds can make the difference in a life or death situation. Address numbers should contrast with their background — reflective numbers are visible at night. Where access is by a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a sign or marker should identify the structure. Order an address placard.

Communication

Register your cell phones with the San Mateo County Alert System to receive notifications about flooding, wildfire, evacuation orders, and other public safety incidents. Sign up at SMCAlert. Also visit the Stay Informed section of our website.

Phone systems and electricity may be down after a disaster. Planning ahead — arranging family meeting places, identifying an out-of-town contact, and participating in a neighborhood radio network — will help provide options when normal communication fails.

Make a Family Plan

A disaster can occur when family members are at home, at work, or at school. Having a family emergency plan gives everyone the reassurance that they can take care of themselves — whether sheltering in place or evacuating. Download FEMA's Make a Plan template to organize your information.

Build Your Kits

Collect and store your supplies so they are readily available in an emergency. Ready.gov's Build a Kit provides guidance on what to prepare.

Store Food & Water

Store food and water for a minimum of 3–5 days, and ideally 7–14 days, since roads in our area may become impassable. Choose non-perishable, low-sodium foods. Don't forget a manual can opener.

In the event of an earthquake, turn off the water supply to your home immediately to prevent contamination from broken sewage pipes. Wait for official radio guidance before turning it back on. Visit Ready.gov/water for guidance on water storage and treatment.

Shelter in Place

After a large-scale disaster, you may have the option of remaining in your home. First determine whether your home is safe to re-enter. If not, camping gear — tent, sleeping bags, camp stove — can become emergency supplies. Plan to be self-sufficient for 5–7 days. Keep in mind that if power is out, gas pumps, ATMs, and grocery stores will not be operating. Visit Ready.gov for more information.

Evacuation

There may be situations — such as an approaching wildfire — where you choose or are ordered to leave your home. Plan your exit routes, identify a family meeting place, and prepare a Go Bag you can grab quickly. Last-minute additions when leaving: medications, phone charger, passports, and keys. Every family member should have their own Grab and Go Checklist.

Establish a neighbor who can grab your Go Bag if you are out of town, and offer to do the same for them. When possible, send text messages rather than calling — cellular networks may be overwhelmed. Check with your school or daycare for their evacuation plan, and make sure children carry an emergency ID card with an out-of-town contact.

District Evacuation Plans:

• 📄 Town of Portola Valley Evacuation Plan
• 📄 Town of Woodside Evacuation Plan
• 📄 Unincorporated San Mateo County Evacuation Plan

For wildfire preparedness guidance, visit Fire Safe San Mateo County.

Additional Resources

Fire Marshal's Safety Corner

The goal of the Woodside Fire Protection District is to protect life, property and the environment through Prevention, Education, Preparedness and Emergency Response. Come meet the Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Fire Prevention and Life Safety as they cover fire safety topics at a location near you.