Emergency Preparedness

In light of local disaster events such as the Geysers Fire in 2004 and the Sonoma County New Years Flood of 2006, the County would like to encourage individuals, families, and businesses to be prepared for future emergencies.

Emergency Responders may be unable to reach all citizens for various reasons and therefore it is essential that individuals and neighborhoods be prepared to be on their own for a minimum of 3 to 5 days.

The County of Sonoma is providing the following suggestions for items to be contained in Disaster Preparedness Kits for Personal, Home, and Auto use. We have also included some links to local and state suppliers for those wishing to purchase preparedness kits. These references should not be considered as endorsements or guarantees of specific kit contents. Additional supplies such as water, food, and medical supplies may need to be added to adequately prepare for the severity of a long-term emergency.

The Sonoma County Fire and Emergency Services Department, along with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, National Weather Service and a number of Cities and Counties across the United States are joining forces to commemorate Tsunami Awareness and Prevention Week.

National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program will recognize Tsunami Preparedness Week the last week in March to coincide with the date of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami (March 27), the largest earthquake and tsunami ever recorded in North America.

Find out about the signs of a tsunami and more

A Special Note About Children in Case of Earthquake

Before the next earthquake, spend time with your kids to discuss what might occur. Involve them in developing your disaster plan, preparing disaster supplies kits (ask them what game or toy they want to include), and practicing “drop, cover, and hold on.” In the days after a quake, kids need extra contact and support. They may be frightened and under great stress, and aftershocks won’t let them forget the experience. Parents may have to leave children with others in order to deal with the emergency, and this can be scary. Whenever possible, include your children in the earthquake recovery process.

For more information see: Putting Down Roots in Earthquake County
Your Handbook for the San Francisco Bay Region
U.S. Geological Survey