Notice

Temporary Service Interruption & Facility Evacuation

Please be advised that all San Mateo County Superior Court facilities will participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on Thursday, October 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

During this one-hour exercise, court facilities will be evacuated and court personnel will conduct emergency preparedness procedures:

  • Clerk’s Office Public Counters: In-person filing windows and customer counters will be closed from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Telephone Services: Public clerk and customer service telephone queues will be unavailable during this window.
  • Courtroom Proceedings: Court sessions will recess and evacuate in accordance with safety instructions.

Normal court operations and public service counters will resume promptly at 12:00 p.m.

We apologize for this disruption to customer service. Regular emergency exercises are vital to ensuring the readiness and safety of the public, jurors, and court staff. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Participating Court Facilities

Hall of Justice & Records

400 County Center
Redwood City, CA 94063

Northern Branch Courthouse

1050 Mission Road
South San Francisco, CA 94080

Youth Services Center

222 Paul Scannell Drive
San Mateo, CA 94402

Central Branch

800 North Humboldt Street
San Mateo, CA 94401

Instructions for Visitors Onsite During the Drill

If you are inside a court facility at 11:00 a.m. on October 15, follow all directives from judicial officers, Court Security, Bailiffs, and Floor Wardens. You will be instructed to practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On, followed by a guided building evacuation.

1. DROP

Drop onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from falling and allows you to crawl toward shelter if available nearby.

2. COVER

Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. Crawl beneath a sturdy table or desk. If no desk is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall.

3. HOLD ON

Hold on to your shelter until shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if it shifts during shaking.

Guidance for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities

  • Wheelchair / Walker Users: LOCK your wheels. Bend forward as low as possible, COVER your head and neck with your arms, a bag, or a binder, and HOLD ON until instructed that the drill is complete.
  • Cane Users: Sit securely in a bench or chair, protect your head and neck with both hands, and keep your cane within reach.
  • Evacuation Assistance: Notify court staff or bailiffs if you require assistance during the building evacuation. Do not use elevators during an evacuation drill.
Incorrect action: DO NOT Run Outside During Shaking Ground movement causes violent falls, while exterior building facades and glass present severe overhead hazards.
Incorrect action: DO NOT Stand in Doorways Modern doorways are not reinforced load-bearing shelters and provide zero protection from falling light fixtures or flying objects.