San Mateo County emergency managers stress preparedness as tens of thousands are expected to arrive for Super Bowl
San Mateo County, California – As the Super Bowl week gets closer, officials in San Mateo County are asking both visitors and residents to do something easy that might make getting about the area a lot easier: sign up for local emergency text alerts.
With large crowds, crowded public transportation, and unpredictable winter weather all happening at once, timely information is expected to be very important for keeping people safe while they move.
During the week, tens of thousands of people from outside the area are scheduled to come through the county. Many of them will arrive by plane, stay in local hotels, or drive between San Francisco and Santa Clara County for Super Bowl-related events and the game on February 8.
San Francisco Bay Area organizers say that about 90,000 people from outside the area are expected to arrive. This is similar to the last time the Super Bowl was held in the area in 2016, when more than a million people went to festivities all throughout the region.
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County authorities believe that big events make things harder, especially for people who don’t know their way around the area or how to get around on public transportation. Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, who is in charge of emergency management in San Mateo County, noted that things can change rapidly during big events. That’s why it’s important to have real-time updates for everyday decisions, including how to go to the airport or how to get around packed streets.
“When people are traveling or attending large events, conditions can change quickly,” said Dr. Dhapodkar. “Staying informed helps people make better decisions in real time, whether they’re heading to the airport, checking into a hotel or moving around the region.”
To deal with these problems, San Mateo County is working with Santa Clara and San Francisco counties on a synchronized public safety effort that will send out the same notifications across county lines. Each county has its own warning system, and officials say that those who are traveling should sign up for alerts in the county where they are staying or spending the most time.
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The alerts let you know about severe weather, traffic problems, transport delays, road closures, and safety issues in real time. This information is very critical in February, when rain can cause flooding in some areas and make travel plans go wrong.
Sheriff Ken Binder made it clear that fans can cross county lines, but alert systems can’t. He advised the public to sign up for the right county notifications and to check with local transit companies for information on their services.
During Super Bowl week, emergency managers also suggest making little changes to your routine, such checking alerts every morning, giving yourself additional time to drive, and writing down exits and routes in places you don’t know. Officials say that the same alert systems are used all year for hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and other crises, so they are valuable even when there isn’t a game.
How to Stay Informed
San Mateo County: Text SUPERBOWL to 672-83 to receive emergency alerts during Super Bowl activities. You can also sign up online at smcalert.info.
Santa Clara County (home to Levi’s Stadium): Text SBLX to 888-777 to get Santa Clara County’s emergency alerts for the Super Bowl. This will cover the stadium vicinity as well as countywide alerts.
San Francisco: Text SuperBowlSF to 888-777 to sign up for San Francisco’s AlertSF notifications tailored for Super Bowl events in the city. San Francisco will host several Super Bowl week events, and this opt-in ensures you’ll receive any urgent alerts specific to the city.
