Menlo Park staff recently joined several other agencies in San Mateo County for an emergency exercise involving public works mutual aid. Participating agencies are all signatories to the countywide Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement. The objectives of this exercise were to 1) Test and validate the protocol for activating mutual aid, and 2) Develop an understanding of the timeframe for forecasting, requesting and receiving that external assistance. The simulation involved a flood in South San Francisco requiring the Operational Area Coordinator to contact signatory agencies for assistance. During the drill, Menlo Park’s Public Works Department fulfilled a mock mutual aid request for a utility truck operated by one maintenance worker and filled with sandbags, barricades and cones. Our quick response ensured the equipment was in route to South San Francisco within 15 minutes of notification. Exercises like this help prepare agencies across the county in case of a real emergency. Residents and businesses can also do their part to prepare for emergencies like this by visiting menlopark.org/storms for tips and resources.