Before, During, and After an Emergency

It is important to be prepared before, during, and after an emergency. Physical safety is a concern for all hazards and may involve a need to shelter or evacuate. Make sure to develop a Family Communication Plan as well as preparing emergency supply kits for all members of your household and pets. When recovering from a disaster, safety as well as mental and physical well-being must be considered. 

Learn which kinds of natural and human-caused disasters pose a risk for your area (earthquakes, fires, floods, etc.). Type your home address into this website from the California Office of Emergency Services to discover the hazards that exist in your area.

Sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, where you work or other location when other emergencies arise. The length of time you are required to take shelter may be short, such as during a tornado warning, or during a pandemic. 

In all cases, it is important that you stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities. For additional information on sheltering, please visit this link. 

Develop a Family Disaster Plan and put it in writing. Here are two great how-to guides from FEMA and the American Red Cross.

Choose an out-of-town contact person your family members may call to check in with during an emergency. FEMA makes a great family emergency communications plan.

Know where to go during an emergency; designate a nearby park, school or other convenient location to meet and include it in your plan.

Build Disaster Supply Kits for your home, office and car.

Emergency Supply List

Preparedness Shopping Calendar (24 weeks)

Emergency Kit Checklist 

How to build a kit instructional video

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. 

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home, your community and your life back to normal. 

Here are some additional ways you can prepare for disaster:

Prepare your children and use these guides to remember those with special needs, such as seniors and persons with disabilities.

Include your pet or service animal in your Family Disaster Plan.

Eliminate hazards in your home and office. FEMA provides helpful information about how to check your home for earthquake hazards.

Learn how to keep yourself and your family safe by taking first aid, CPR and other preparedness classes.

Get involved – donate blood, educate your neighbors and volunteer!