What Menlo Park residents and businesses should know about SMC 2026 local hazard mitigation plan

In 2026, San Mateo County is updating its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) — a critical roadmap that identifies natural disaster risks and outlines strategies to reduce damage before emergencies happen. The LHMP is a federally required plan that helps communities prepare for hazards such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes and severe weather.

The LHMP is a comprehensive planning document that:

• Identifies natural hazard risks across the county
• Assesses vulnerability of homes, businesses, infrastructure and critical facilities
• Develops practical, cost-effective strategies to reduce long-term risk
• Aligns local planning with state and federal mitigation programs

Rather than focusing on emergency response, the LHMP emphasizes mitigation — actions taken in advance to lessen the impact of future disasters.

Please use the Hazard Assessment Form to identify and describe how hazards (such as drought, earthquake, severe weather, dam failure, flooding, landslides, sea level rise, tsunamis or wildfires) have impacted (or could impact) your place of residence/work, community and/or organization.

Provide mitigation/action ideas for the County to consider via the Mitigation Action/Idea Form.

The LHMP was last updated in 2021. During this five year cycle, hazards evolve, development patterns change and climate impacts intensify. The 2026 Update ensures the plan:

• Uses updated data and local knowledge to identify the highest-risk hazards
• Strengthens coordination among the County, cities, towns, special districts, community organizations and residents
• Maintains eligibility for federal hazard mitigation funding

Maintaining FEMA eligibility is particularly important. Communities with an approved LHMP can compete for federal funding to support projects such as flood control improvements, seismic retrofits, wildfire fuel reduction and infrastructure hardening.

Stay informed before and during disasters by signing up for official emergency notifications at menlopark.gov/alerts. This page provides access to local alert systems, evacuation information and real-time updates during emergencies.

Learn more at www.menlopark.gov/prepared. Together, these resources help residents understand their risks, prepare their households and stay connected during emergencies.

Text and photo provided by City of Menlo Park