Get Ready

Preparedness starts with a few simple steps and builds from there. You do not have to do everything at once.

Our area faces three primary hazards: wildfire, earthquake, and severe storms. Each can knock out power, water, roads, and cell service for days. A few hours of preparation now makes a significant difference in how well you and your family handle these situations.

This section covers the essentials every household should do first. Start with the three steps below — they take less than an hour total and cover the essentials. Then go deeper on the topics that matter most to your situation.

Start Here: Three Essential Steps

If you do nothing else, do these three things. They are free, fast, and cover your most basic needs.

Stay Informed

Sign up for SMCAlert to receive emergency notifications by text, email, and phone. Find your evacuation zone on Genasys Protect. Install Watch Duty for real-time wildfire tracking.

Takes about 10 minutes

Set up alerts & apps

Make a Plan

Where will your family meet if you cannot get home? Who is your out-of-area contact? What will you grab in 5 minutes? Answer these questions now while you can think clearly.

Printable templates available

Build your plan

Get a Go-Bag

A go-bag has everything you need for 2–3 days away from home: water, food, first aid, light, radio, charger, documents. Keep it packed and ready to grab in under a minute.

Pre-built kits available at WPV-Store

What to pack

Know Your Risks

Understanding what can happen here helps you prioritize what to prepare for.

Wildfire

We live in the wildland-urban interface. Embers from a fire miles away can ignite your home. Defensible space and home hardening are critical.

Wildfire preparedness

Earthquake

The San Andreas Fault runs through our district. A major quake means no power, no water, no cell service, and blocked roads — potentially for weeks.

Severe Storms

Winter storms bring flooding, downed trees, power outages, and road closures that can isolate neighborhoods for days.

Prepare Your Home & Property

Make your home and property more resilient to the hazards we face here.

Home Safety & Earthquake Proofing

Fire extinguishers, smoke and CO detectors, securing heavy furniture, utility shut-offs, and special considerations for children, pets, and elderly family members.

View checklist

Defensible Space & Home Hardening

Create fire-resistant zones around your home. Manage vegetation from 0–100 feet. Address vents, gutters, siding, and roofing. Free assessments available from WFPD.

Learn more

Household Readiness Checklist

Work through these at your own pace. The first three are the most important.

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Make a family emergency plan — meeting points, contacts, evacuation routes

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Get a go-bag — 2–3 days of essentials, packed and ready

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Check fire extinguishers and smoke/CO alarms — one extinguisher per floor, test alarms annually

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Know your evacuation routes — every road out of your neighborhood, driven at least once

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Secure your home for earthquake — water heater, bookcases, heavy items; shoes and flashlight under bed

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Create defensible space and harden your home — manage vegetation, address vents, gutters, and siding

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Store 2 weeks of food and water — 1 gallon of water per person per day

Download the complete printable checklist and guides

Beyond the Basics

Once your household is covered, the next level of readiness is your neighborhood.

Not Sure Where to Start?

We are happy to help. No question is too basic.

Email Selena Brown (650) 851-1594