Menlo Park Fire Protection District

10/27/2026

Here are some tips to stay safe during the spooky season.

10/24/2026

Forecasters expect a very strong El Niño this winter, which raises the odds of flooding in our jurisdiction. Here's what many people don't know: standard homeowners and renters insurance typically doesn't cover flood damage.
Flood coverage comes through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers, and most new policies take about 30 days to take effect. FEMA estimates just a few inches of water in a 1,000 square foot home could cost more than $10,000 in repairs and replaced belongings. That means the time to act is now, before the storms. CALL your insurance agent this month, or learn more at floodsmart.gov. Renters can insure their belongings too.

Before the first storm:
• LOOK UP your evacuation zone at protect.genasys.com and write it down.
• CHECK your address on FEMA's flood map at msc.fema.gov.
• ASK a longtime neighbor where water collects on your street.
Knowing your zone means you'll know right away when an alert is for you.

Share this with a neighbor near a creek, the Bay, or the shoreline.

10/23/2026

It was a meaningful moment to celebrate Lutticken’s and its place in our community for the past 45 years. Mike Lutticken, son of owner Bob Lutticken, accepted the District’s Certificate of Commendation on behalf of the business. We’re grateful for the memories and connections Lutticken’s has brought to our community over the years and wish them all the best.

10/19/2026

Forecasters expect a very strong El Niño this winter. If a storm cuts power or closes roads, you may need to get by on your own for a few days.

BUILD A KIT before the first storm:
• Water and food for 3 days
• Medications and medical supplies
• Flashlight, batteries, a hand crank or battery radio, and a car or solar phone charger or power bank
• Copies of IDs, insurance, and other important documents in a waterproof bag, plus password protected digital copies
• Supplies for pets
Start with what you already have at home and fill the gaps a little at a time.

Checklist: ready.gov/kit. Share this with someone who lives alone.

10/15/2026

We would like to take a moment to give a round of applause for our new Clerk of the Board. Shin was previously our Administrative Specialist II and has now moved over to become our new Clerk of the Board. Keep up the great work, Shin!

10/15/2026

At 10:15 a.m., join millions of people practicing earthquake safety! Remember to Drop, Cover, and Hold On when the shaking starts. A few minutes of practice today can help you stay safe when an earthquake strikes.

#10:15AM

10/13/2026

Where will your loved ones be when a flood hits? Forecasters expect a very strong El Niño this winter. Storms can close roads, cut power, and overload phone networks in San Mateo County, sometimes with little notice.

MAKE A PLAN before the first storm:
• Pick a place to meet if you can't get home.
• Choose an out of area contact everyone can call or text.
• Know 2 ways out of your neighborhood.
• Look up your evacuation zone at protect.genasys.com.
A short conversation now means no one has to guess later. Planning help: ready.gov/plan

10/10/2026

10/08/2026

Forecasters expect a very strong El Niño this winter. That raises the odds of heavy rain, high tide flooding, and storm damage in Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, Atherton, and San Mateo County. It doesn't guarantee a stormy winter. We know how to get ready for winter; this year, we start earlier.

Take 4 steps before the first storm:
1. MAKE A PLAN with your household.
2. BUILD A KIT with 3 days of supplies.
3. CHECK where to pick up sandbags.
4. SIGN UP for SMC Alert at smcalert.info.

Share this with someone who's new to the area. Details: smcgov.org/dem/winter-weather-preparedness #