In a disaster, local officials and relief workers cannot reach everyone immediately; help may not arrive for hours or days. You and your family — and don’t forget to include the needs of those with disabilities — need to be prepared ahead of time because you won’t have time to shop or search for the supplies you will need when a disaster strikes.
Most disasters are natural disasters, the result of some force of nature, such as storms or earthquakes. Some natural disasters can be predicted, such as severe winter storms, while others, such as earthquakes, happen with little or no warning. Some disasters are the cause of human actions, intentional or unintentional.
Regardless of the type of disaster, some straightforward planning and preparation can help with your safety, security, and comfort.
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Stay informed during an emergency by signing up for AlertSCC.
Personal Emergency Preparedness Training
When disaster strikes, there may be a significant length of time before emergency medical, police, and fire arrive in your neighborhood. The purpose of Personal Emergency Preparedness training is to inform and prepare individuals to be self-sufficient for several days after an area-wide emergency. The District, in concert with the County Fire Department, presents courses to assist individuals and families to plan and be prepared in event of an emergency or disaster. The Personal Emergency Preparedness course is a 3-hour class designed for families to be able to survive the first 72 hours of a disaster.
Santa Clara County Fire Department – Ready, Set, Go!
Ready, Set, Go! is an emergency preparedness program from the Santa Clara County Fire Department, which focuses on preparing your home, yourself, and your family for wildfires, providing steps to follow if evacuation becomes necessary, and what to do if you become trapped.
Learn how to maintain adequate defensible space and harden your home by using appropriate spacing, fire-safe landscaping, and fire-resistant materials.
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Prepare yourself and your home for the possibility of having to evacuate: Create a Wildfire Action Plan, assemble an emergency supply kit, and protect what is important to you.
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Give your household the best chance of surviving a wildfire by being ready to go and evacuation early. Review pre-evacuation steps, take immediate action when wildfire strikes, and learn what to do if you become trapped.
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Learn about Red Flag Warnings, what they mean, and activities you should avoid.
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Ways to Get Involved
Fire and Disaster Preparedness Resources
- Santa Clara County Fire Department
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- FEMA Publication: “Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness”
- FEMA Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry
- USGS – Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country (about this guide)
- USGS – Protecting Your Family From Earthquakes—The Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety (about this guide)
- Fire Safety & Prevention Checklist (from “This Old House”)