Hazardous Weather Response Team - HWRT

The fall and winter of 2012 blanketed the Bay Area in consistent and heavy rain. These storm systems toppled trees, overwhelmed storm drains, knocked down power lines and caused major traffic congestion. Within the city limits of Woodside, residents witnessed some creek beds crest over their embankments and flood out parts of upper Woodside Rd. Which left up to a foot and a half of standing water behind in its wake. The Town of Woodside and The Town of Portola Valley public services became swamped with calls for assistance. This was a major cause for concern. It was at this precise moment that the Hazardous Weather Response Team was born.

What began as two friends driving around the mountainous region of Woodside while storm chasing, quickly grew to something more purposeful. What if instead of bringing only our digital cameras out with us during stormy days we brought with us a few shovels and rakes, a chainsaw and some traffic cones? Surely, these items could help clear a roadway of a downed tree and at the same time relieve some of the town's public services to attend to other more serious incidents.

HWRT from the very beginning was built on top of an all volunteer foundation, that is, each member dedicates his/her own time and labor to provide this community service.

HWRT's founder, Evan Bernard, has over 4 years of public service stemming from his work as a cadet with a local peninsula Police Department as well as EMT-B certified.

HWRT's co-founder, Brad Rosinski, has over 5 years of experience working for two different Public Works Dept, splitting time in street-sewer-water & parks divisions, Brad is also EMT-B certified

Together we branched out and made contact with other like-minded individuals to add to the team. By the winter of 2013 the HWRT roster grew to roughly 6 volunteers. By mid-September two fully stocked and operational utility pick up trucks were put into service to accompany the original command SUV.

The team is indirectly activated by the National Weather Service. If a hazardous weather alert is in effect for the Woodside & Portola Valley area, you can expect to see HWRT patrolling your streets and roads until the weather system clears. Each vehicle is typically staffed by two volunteers (a driver-operator and a navigator). The team practices personal safety as its number one priority. The team does not get involved with local Law Enforcement issues nor does it interfere with Fire Department operations.

HWRT purchases, maintains and uses all of its own hand tools, chain saws, fuel, barricades and safety equipment. In this regard HWRT is not affiliated with the Town of Woodside, the Town of Portola Valley, the Woodside Fire Protection District or the San Mateo County Sheriff Office. We are a private organization with zero funding from any outside source.

If you happen to see us out working or having dinner around town please feel free to come talk to us and ask any questions you may have. We can be reached directly via Facebook by either private message or a post in the comments section.