San Mateo County reflects on the first storm response of the year

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Since New Year’s Eve, San Mateo County has been pummeled with less than favorable weather causing high winds and flooding across the region.

In preparation for the storm surge, the county and a number of volunteers used one million pounds of bulk sand and 15,000 feet of twine to create 21,000 sandbags.

The sandbags were then provided to local residents and used by the county department of public works to protect buildings and property from flood waters. An additional, 35,000 empty sandbags were provided to residents at the county's Grant Corporation Yard in Redwood City.

Throughout the storm, emergency response teams coordinated at the Emergency Operations Center on the County Center campus in Redwood City. Representatives from the American Red Cross, Pacific Gas & Electric, Cal Fire, California Highway Patrol and numerous other agencies and local organizations participated in the briefings as key players in the overall response.

The Red Cross also deployed 40 volunteers to assist across the county.

The region’s public safety communications for fire and emergency services saw a spike in calls throughout the storm, receiving 1,417 calls on Dec. 31 alone. This compares to approximately 400 calls on a regular Saturday.

San Mateo County Fire Engine responded to 59 calls in Pescadero as floodwaters rose from Pescadero Creek.

An additional, 484 calls were placed to the 2-1-1 number for storm-related, non-emergency assistance from Dec. 31 through Jan. 10. The majority of callers were asking for assistance with shelter and sandbags.

The county distributed 30 generators to households in Pescadero for communuity members in need of electricity for medical issues. A generator was also installed at Pescadero High School.

A COW, or Cellular on Wheels, which is a mobile cellular network, was stationed in Pescadero to help boost cellular service.

In the eye of the storm, 236 individuals were displaced and temporarily housed in hotels. Approximately 2,001 meals were served to displaced residents.

For individuals in the county that are unhoused, 160 enrolled in the Inclement weather program, which expands shelter capacity.

Throughout the storm surge, 72 individuals volunteered to serve at temporary evacuation points countywide. For additional information, click here.