Emergency Preparedness for General Population

Could you survive on your own for a few days if your community experienced an emergency or disaster?

Each family should make preparations now, for immediate or potential situations that threaten life, property or the environment. 

Follow these three (3) basic steps and Be Prepared:

Build a kit

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version (pdf) to take with you. Consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.

• Emergency Supplies Checklist(s).
• Assemble enough emergency supplies for at least 3 days (72 hours). 
• Include pet supplies, medicines, diapers and infant formula, if needed. 
• Don't forget your ID along with other important papers. 
• Use easy-to-carry bags or bins. 
• Consider a second kit for the car

Learn how to build, maintain and store a Disaster Supplies Kit.​​

Make a Plan

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.  Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.​

• Talk with your family.
• Practice your plan.
• Pick a friend to call, if you get separated from family.
• Know where to meet.
• Make a list of important information.

Download and create a Kids Emergency Contact Card & Plan (pdf).
Download and create a Family Emergency Plan (pdf).
Read more about school campus and workplace​ emergency plans.
Learn more about how to Make A Plan

Be Informed

Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate.

• Listen to your local news stations and have a battery-operated radio on hand. 
• Make every effort to follow instructions from emergency officials. 

Sign up for local emergency alert notifications from the County of Santa Clara Emergency Alert System (AlertSCC)
Learn how to Be Informed for specific emergency events.

Associated Content

• Three steps on how to prepare for an emergency or disaster (video). 
• Learn more about how to prepare for specific emergencies.

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