2026 Preparedness Calendar

START STRONG: EMERGENCY PLANS

• Sign up for local emergency alerts — Nixle (register online or text your ZIP to 888777) and AlertSCC.org
• Be ready for unexpected outages — stay informed with the PG&E Outage Map.
• Update emergency contacts, Go Bags, evacuation routes, and communication plans.
• Are you part of a Firewise USA community? View the map to learn more!
• View Alerts and Warnings Guide to sign up for alerts and reliable emergency information.

GAME PLAN FOR THE ROAD: BE A PREPARED DRIVER

• Maintain your vehicle regularly and keep the gas tank at least half full.
• Pack a car safety kit with jumper cables, a first aid kit, blankets, water, snacks, phone chargers, flashlights, and batteries.
• Know two ways out of your neighborhood to avoid hazards like flooded roads, downed trees, or mudslides.

BE READY TO HELP

• Build first aid kits (or refresh yours) for home, car, and Go Bags.
• Learn basic first aid skills, such as CPR, treating burns, cuts, stings and bites — and understand when to call 911.
• Familiarize yourself with emergency contacts and trusted sources for information. Find more details on page 18 of the District Services Guide.

BE READY TO GRAB & GO OR BE PREPARED TO STAY

• Pack Go Bags, including kits for your pets and animals, so your household can be ready to leave quickly in an emergency.
• Add items to a Stay Box for when you can’t leave home. Prepare for at least 3 days without water or electricity.
• Work with neighbors to identify shared resources for a shelter-in-place situation, such as radio communications or backup power.

WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH

• Register for a Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) assessment.
• Learn evacuation levels and practice evacuation drills.
• Participate in community wildfire education events.

Remember…

• An Evacuation Order requires immediate evacuation due to life-threatening danger.
• An Evacuation Warning advises evacuation due to potential risk.
• A Shelter in Place requires staying locked indoors and awaiting further notice from emergency personnel.

FIRE SMART LANDSCAPING

• To prevent spread of fire from the ground to the tree canopy, limb up trees 6-10′ or 1/3 the height and remove ladder fuels.
• Schedule or participate in brush chipping.
• Keep vegetation green and maintain defensible space. Check out the Marin Fire Smart Yards guide for examples.
• Learn how to treat vegetation safely by working in pairs, having fire extinguishers or water nearby, using spark arrestors, and observing weather.

HOME HARDENING

• Clean debris from roofs and gutters. This activity is rebate eligible when noted on your HIZ report.
• Install ember-resistant attic and crawl space vents.
• Create a 5’ non-combustible perimeter around your home. Move firewood 30’ away.
• Participate in defensible space brush chipping.

STAY ALERT: PETS AND EMERGENCIES

• Know two ways out of your neighborhood, have Go Bags for family and pets handy, and hold an evacuation drill.
• Use tech tools for safety — sign up for local emergency alerts with Nixle (register online or text your ZIP to 888777) and AlertSCC.org. Download Genasys Protect and Watch Duty for evacuation information.

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

• Review and practice your emergency plan including meet up locations, communication methods, and evacuation routes.
• Help your neighbors — stay informed, educate others, and encourage neighbors to sign up for alerts at AlertSCC.org
• Participate in National Preparedness Month activities.

EARTHQUAKE SAFETY

1. Practice “Drop, Cover, Hold On” drills.
2. Secure heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances.
3. Inspect emergency kits for earthquake-specific needs.

PLAN & PROTECT

• Keep decorations away from heat sources, use flame-resistant ornaments, and check holiday lights for frayed wires to prevent fires.
• Include a small first aid kit, flashlight, or portable phone charger in your holiday gift stash to keep loved ones prepared.
• Plan your routes, check weather alerts, and have a family communication plan in case of emergencies during holiday travel or gatherings.

REFLECT & RESTOCK

• Update insurance inventory with photos and documents.
• Evaluate the past year’s preparedness successes and gaps.
• Restock Go Bags, first aid kits, and emergency supplies.
• Prepare for winter storms and potential road/evacuation hazards.