Get Ready
Preparedness starts with a few simple steps and builds from there. You do not have to do everything at once.
Our area faces three primary hazards: wildfire, earthquake, and severe storms. Each can knock out power, water, roads, and cell service for days. A few hours of preparation now makes a significant difference in how well you and your family handle these situations.
This section covers the essentials every household should do first. Start with the three steps below — they take less than an hour total and cover the essentials. Then go deeper on the topics that matter most to your situation.
Start Here: Three Essential Steps
If you do nothing else, do these three things. They are free, fast, and cover your most basic needs.
Stay Informed
Sign up for SMCAlert to receive emergency notifications by text, email, and phone. Find your evacuation zone on Genasys Protect. Install Watch Duty for real-time wildfire tracking.
Takes about 10 minutes
Set up alerts & appsMake a Plan
Where will your family meet if you cannot get home? Who is your out-of-area contact? What will you grab in 5 minutes? Answer these questions now while you can think clearly.
Printable templates available
Build your planGet a Go-Bag
A go-bag has everything you need for 2–3 days away from home: water, food, first aid, light, radio, charger, documents. Keep it packed and ready to grab in under a minute.
Pre-built kits available at WPV-Store
What to packKnow Your Risks
Understanding what can happen here helps you prioritize what to prepare for.
Wildfire
We live in the wildland-urban interface. Embers from a fire miles away can ignite your home. Defensible space and home hardening are critical.
Wildfire preparednessEarthquake
The San Andreas Fault runs through our district. A major quake means no power, no water, no cell service, and blocked roads — potentially for weeks.
Earthquake preparednessSevere Storms
Winter storms bring flooding, downed trees, power outages, and road closures that can isolate neighborhoods for days.
Storm preparednessPrepare Your Home & Property
Make your home and property more resilient to the hazards we face here.
Home Safety & Earthquake Proofing
Fire extinguishers, smoke and CO detectors, securing heavy furniture, utility shut-offs, and special considerations for children, pets, and elderly family members.
View checklistDefensible Space & Home Hardening
Create fire-resistant zones around your home. Manage vegetation from 0–100 feet. Address vents, gutters, siding, and roofing. Free assessments available from WFPD.
Learn moreHousehold Readiness Checklist
Work through these at your own pace. The first three are the most important.
Beyond the Basics
Once your household is covered, the next level of readiness is your neighborhood.
Organize Your Neighborhood
Form a Ready Community, set up a Node, connect with your neighbors before disaster strikes.
Join the Firewise Program
Get your neighborhood recognized as a Firewise USA site. Reduce wildfire risk systematically and qualify for insurance benefits.
Attend a Class
We offer classes on Nodes, emergency communications, fire resiliency, First Aid/CPR, and CERT training.
Not Sure Where to Start?
We are happy to help. No question is too basic.