Have a Plan
Emergencies strike fast. An emergency plan helps you, your household, and your community act quickly, stay connected, and make safer choices during a disaster.
Your plan should reflect local hazards, the needs of everyone in your home, and how you’ll communicate if services go down.
Understand Your Risks
Identify the hazards that may impact where you live, work, and travel. Understanding your local hazards helps you prepare before and during an emergency. Some emergencies may require you to stay indoors, while others may require evacuation. Learn More About Hazards in Alameda County.
Household Planning
Household planning should include all members of the household. Disasters can disrupt phone lines, internet connection, and power services. A communications plan helps household members reconnect if separated during an emergency.
Identify:
- Safe places inside your home to shelter during hazards such as earthquakes, air quality, and wildfire smoke
- A nearby meeting place outside your home
- A primary and alternate meeting location
- A location outside your neighborhood, if evacuation is necessary
- Transportation options if you cannot drive
- How you will communicate if phones or internet service are limited.
- An out-of-area contact person everyone can call or text
- How you will receive emergency alerts and warnings
- AC Alert provides critical alerts during emergencies for residents, business, and visitors of Alameda County.
Note: Consider how your personal and household plans may change when you are at your workplace, commuting, or even visiting some place new. Review your plan at least once each year to keep it current.
Planning for Pets
Include pets in your household emergency plan. Plan how you will evacuate with your pets and where they can stay safely.
Note: Many emergency shelters cannot accommodate pets, so identify pet-friendly locations ahead of time.
Learn more on pet preparedness considerations and resources.
Community Planning
Emergency plans should reflect the needs of the whole community.
Community members may include, but are not limited to:
- Individuals with disabilities (physical, cognitive, sensory)
- Individuals with limited English proficiency
- Individuals with limited mobility or transportation access
- Households with dependents (infants, young children, pregnant individuals)
- Older adults
Know Your Zone and Evacuation Routes
Critical alerts during emergencies for residents, business, and visitors of Alameda County will come from AC Alert. During fast-moving emergencies such as wildfires or flooding, officials may issue evacuation warnings or orders.
Plan ahead by:
- Know your evacuation zone
- Plan at least two evacuation routes
- Understand what evacuation warnings and orders mean
- Identify where you could go if you need to leave your area
Note: Leaving early helps reduce traffic congestion and keeps evacuation routes clear for emergency responders.
Planning for Families with Children
Children may react differently during emergencies. Clear plans and practice help reduce fear and confusion.
Consider:
- Teaching children simple emergency steps
- Identifying trusted adults they should follow during an emergency
- Making sure they know how to contact parents or caregivers
- Coordinating plans with schools, childcare providers, and after-school programs
Learn more on preparedness activities and resources to keep your family ready and informed.
Planning for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
Older Adults and people with disabilities may require additional planning before, during, and after emergencies.
Consider:
- Share your emergency plan with caregivers, family members, or trusted neighbors.
- Keep medications, medical supplies, and assistive devices accessible.
- Plan for backup power if you rely on medical equipment.
Learn more on preparedness considerations and resources for the whole community.
Additional resources:
Write It Down and Practice
Your emergency plan should be written down and easy for everyone in your household to access. Practice your plan regularly so everyone knows what to do.
Make sure everyone understands:
- How to evacuate
- Where to meet
- How to communicate
- What to bring