Recognized annually, Preparedness Month is a reminder to all Californians to take measures to keep you and your loved ones safe when disaster strikes. Here in California, we’re no strangers to natural disasters whether it’s a wildfire or an earthquake, winter storms, or heat waves. Californians need to take steps to stay safe when emergencies happen.
During Preparedness Month, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) urges all Californians to be prepared. If you don’t know where to start, you’re in a good place right here! Check out our blog at news.caloes.ca.gov and follow us on all our social media platforms – @Cal_OES — to find tips on how to keep you prepared before, during and after an emergency.
Tips to get prepared
Visit Ready California
- You can sign up for emergency alerts that can help save your life.
- Find multilingual emergency preparedness resources.
- Get access to free materials that help you prepare for emergencies.
Talk with your family about creating an emergency plan
- Know where family members will meet up during an emergency.
- Provide children with important phone numbers.
Prepare a go-bag in case you need to leave your home quickly
- Include essential items for each member of your family. A go-bag can turn into a stay box in case you need to shelter in place.
- Food and water
- Medication
- Important documents
- Pet supplies
- Flashlight
- First Aid Kit
Learn multiple evacuation routes out of your neighborhood
- Stay tuned to updates from local officials and if told to evacuate, don’t wait!
- Evacuation Warning: There is a potential threat to life and property. Leave now if you need additional time to evacuate or have pets or livestock.
- Evacuation Order: There is an immediate threat to life and property. Leave now.
Download the MyShake App
- Get life-saving seconds of early warning during an earthquake event.
- Remember to drop, cover and hold on during an earthquake.
- Earthquake Early Warning readiness guide
Social Media toolkit
- Suggested social media posts you can use to help share the preparedness message.
Sharing these quick tips can protect your loved ones and keep your community informed when every second counts.
Preparedness Month Kickoff
September is Preparedness Month! 📢 Don’t wait for a disaster to strike to think about safety. This month, we are sharing practical steps to protect your home, family, and community. Read our latest blog post to jumpstart your readiness journey today!Go-Bag and Stay Box
Be ready to leave or stay at a moment’s notice. 🎒 Fire or flood? Grab your Go-Bag with essential docs, cash, and meds. Power out for days? Rely on your Stay Box stocked with three days of food, water, and flashlights. Pack yours this weekend!
Family Emergency Plan
Does your family know what to do when disaster strikes? 📋 Don’t guess during a crisis. Sit down tonight and create a Family Emergency Plan. Pick a safe meeting spot, designate an out-of-state contact, and make sure everyone knows the plan by heart.Local Emergency Alerts
Get life-saving info instantly. 📱 When seconds count, wireless emergency alerts keep you safe. Take two minutes right now to sign up for your local emergency alerts. Check your county’s website or text your ZIP code to your local alert system to stay informed.Preparedness Resources
Preparedness (Blog hyperlink) doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 🔍 You don’t have to figure it out alone. Access free checklists, family plan templates, and kids’ safety activities tailored for Californians. Find all your emergency preparedness tips at ready.ca.gov.Evacuation Routes
Do you know your way out? 🚗 Smoke or rising water means you may need to move fast. Learn your neighborhood’s evacuation routes today. Map out at least two different ways to exit your area, because your primary route might be blocked.Warning vs. Order
Know the difference, save your life. 🚨- Evacuation Warning: High danger. Pack your bags, prep your pets, and be ready to leave.
- Evacuation Order: Immediate threat. Leave right now. Do not wait to pack. Watch for first responders on the roadways.