San Mateo County 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Published on February 23, 2026
What Menlo Park residents and businesses should know
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.
What is the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan?
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.
Why the 2026 Update matters
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.
How this connects to Menlo Park preparedness efforts
The LHMP works hand-in-hand with local preparedness initiatives in Menlo Park.
Sign up for emergency alerts
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.
The City also regularly shares preparedness information through the Weekly Digest newsletter, social media and in-person presentations including:
- Hazard awareness tips
- Evacuation zone guidance
- Seasonal preparedness reminders
- Business and neighborhood resilience resources
Learn more at www.menlopark.gov/prepared. Together, these resources help residents understand their risks, prepare their households and stay connected during emergencies.
A regional effort
The LHMP is a multi-jurisdictional plan, meaning cities like Menlo Park participate alongside other municipalities and special districts throughout the county. This coordinated approach reduces duplication, aligns mitigation priorities and strengthens regional resilience.
Disasters do not stop at city boundaries and the LHMP ensures planning reflects that reality.
Building resilience together
The 2026 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan update represents a proactive investment in protecting lives, property and economic stability throughout San Mateo County. By combining regional mitigation planning with local initiatives like the City’s emergency alert system, Menlo Park continues to strengthen community resilience before the next disaster strikes.
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.