Menlo Park has updated its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan as part of a countywide effort in San Mateo County. The final plan was sent to the California Office of Emergency Services for approval on June 30, 2026. After that, it will go to FEMA for "approval upon adoption." The City Council is expected to review and adopt the plan in fall 2026.
The updated plan includes the latest information about earthquakes, flooding, sea level rise, severe weather, extreme heat, wildfires, power outages, cyber threats, and other emergencies that could impact the community.
The plan shows where Menlo Park is most at risk and outlines steps to lower long-term disaster risks. These steps may include making public facilities stronger, improving drainage and flood protection, protecting utilities, improving emergency communications, and using hazard information in infrastructure and land-use planning.
Updating the plan helps align hazard mitigation with the City’s Safety Element, climate adaptation efforts, infrastructure planning, and emergency operations. It also makes sure priorities keep up with changing conditions and new risk information.
Having an approved plan is important because it helps Menlo Park qualify for state and federal grants that can fund projects to reduce future disaster damage and build community resilience. The updated plan will guide the City’s priorities for the next five years, and projects and progress will be reviewed regularly.
By planning ahead, Menlo Park can lower future losses, protect important services, and recover more quickly when emergencies happen. Together, we are MenloPrepared.