Disaster Resilience Means Being Prepared for Any Event
Preparing before an emergency happens can help protect your health, reduce stress, and give you greater confidence if disaster strikes. In California, wildfires, floods, earthquakes, extreme heat, and other emergencies can happen with little warning. Taking a few simple steps today can help you recover more quickly and stay connected to the people and services you rely on.
Why It Matters
Emergencies can be especially challenging if you rely on medications, medical equipment, caregiving, or mobility supports. Every community faces different risks. Use MyHazards to learn about the hazards where you live and prepare for the emergencies most likely to affect your area. Planning ahead can reduce stress and help you respond more confidently when an emergency occurs.
Five Steps to Get Ready
1. Stay informed
Sign up for local emergency alerts through CalAlerts.org so you receive important updates and evacuation information.
2. Make a plan
Create a plan with your family, friends, or caregivers so everyone knows what to do if an emergency happens. Your plan should include:
- Emergency contact information that you can access without a phone or internet connection
- A meeting place if you're separated
- An evacuation plan and transportation options
- Regular practice so everyone knows what to do
3. Pack a go bag
Keep a bag in an easy-to-reach spot near your main exit with enough supplies for at least three days away from home. See checklist in the left column.
4. Prepare a stay box
Prepare enough supplies to stay home for at least three days. Keep extra non-perishable food, water, medications, and other essentials on hand.
5. Stay connected
Talk with neighbors, friends, and family about how you’ll check on one another before, during, and after an emergency.
Plan for Your Personal Needs
Thinking ahead about your daily needs can make an emergency easier to manage. Think about the people, services, and equipment you rely on every day. Consider:
- Identifying at least four trusted people who can help if you need it
- Having a backup power source for medical equipment
- Planning accessible transportation and evacuation routes
- Knowing how you'll get food if meal services are interrupted
- Talking with caregivers or healthcare providers about continuing your care during an emergency
- Planning how you'll refill medications if your pharmacy is temporarily closed
Resources to Help You Prepare
California offers free resources to help you prepare before an emergency.
- Read the California Department of Aging’s Emergency Preparedness Guide, written for older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and others who may need extra support.
- Use MyHazards to learn about emergency risks in your area.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts through CalAlerts.
- Visit Listos California for preparedness information, Disaster Recovery Resources Guides in English and Spanish, and materials in more than 20 languages.
- Visit Ready.gov for simple, low-cost ways to prepare.
- Learn about Medicare coverage and access during a disaster.
Being prepared isn't about expecting the worst, it's about giving yourself peace of mind. A few simple steps today can help you respond with greater confidence and recover more quickly when an emergency happens.