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Training and Exercises
We prepare together, train together, respond together.
What are they?
Training teaches emergency responders and city staff the skills they need to handle disasters. Exercises are practice runs—like a fire drill, but for earthquakes, floods, wildfires, or other emergencies. They range from tabletop discussions (talking through “what would you do if…”) to full-scale simulations with multiple agencies in the field.
Why do they matter?
You can’t learn to work as a team during a crisis—you have to practice before one happens. Training and exercises help us find problems in our plans while the stakes are low, build relationships across agencies, and make sure everyone knows their role when it counts.
Why are they especially critical in San Mateo County?
Our county is one of the most complex in California: 20 cities, 18 unincorporated communities, and dozens of agencies that must work together seamlessly when disaster strikes. A wildfire doesn’t stop at a city line. A flood affects multiple jurisdictions at once. The only way to coordinate this many partners is to practice together regularly—so when the real emergency comes, we already know each other, trust each other, and can act fast.
