Sudden Ground Shaking Earthquakes Plan for strong motion, unstable ground, broken utility lines, and fires that may follow a major quake. View Earthquake Actions
Coastal Hazard Tsunamis Learn the signs that require immediate movement away from Alameda's shoreline. View Tsunami Actions
Water and Coastal Impacts Flooding Understand how rain, coastal storms, tides, and groundwater can combine to affect streets and property. View Flooding Actions
Health Hazard Extreme Heat Choose cooler locations in advance and include neighbors or relatives who may need assistance. View Extreme Heat Actions
Utility Disruption Power Outages Make backup arrangements for communications, food, medicine, lighting, and health equipment. View Power Outage Actions
Air Quality Hazard Wildfire Smoke Set up a cleaner-air space and know when outdoor conditions are no longer healthy. View Wildfire Smoke Actions
Before the Ground Moves Anchor bookcases and other tall furniture; fasten equipment and objects that could tip or fall. Choose protection spots beneath strong tables or desks and away from glass. Place sturdy shoes and a flashlight where you can reach them after waking. Rehearse the recognized safety action: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
While It Is Shaking Get low, protect your head and neck beneath cover when available, and hold your position. If you are inside, remain there rather than crossing areas where glass or masonry may fall. From an outdoor location, create distance from structures, trees, signs, and electrical lines. Drivers should stop in a clear location that is not beneath a bridge or another overhead threat.
When Shaking Ends Be ready to protect yourself again because additional shaking may follow. Look for injuries, smoke, fire, utility damage, and fallen electrical wires without entering unsafe areas. Send brief text updates to family so voice networks remain available for urgent calls. Use City alerts to determine whether to remain, relocate, or leave the area.
Before a Warning Use Alameda's inundation map to see whether places you visit are within the mapped area. Choose more than one route from homes, schools, workplaces, beaches, and marinas. Pack a portable bag that includes medicine, communication needs, and basic supplies. Learn both the alert system and natural clues, including prolonged shaking or unusual shoreline behavior.
When You Need to Move During earthquake shaking, protect yourself first with Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Once shaking ends, leave the waterfront promptly if it was strong or prolonged, or if the water behaves abnormally. Move away from the shoreline instead of approaching it for a better view. Use posted routes and adjust your movement when local officials provide new directions.
Until the All-Clear Remain outside the affected area until an authorized local message confirms reentry. Do not assume the first surge is the last; water movement may remain hazardous for an extended period. Keep clear of standing water, unstable roads, scattered debris, and electrical equipment. Let family know your status with a short text rather than repeated voice calls.
Reduce Your Exposure Check the locations you use most often and the streets you depend on for known flood exposure. Protect essential records from water and maintain an encrypted electronic backup. Store valuables, chemicals, and irreplaceable items above the lowest level of the building. Ask your insurer what your current policy excludes and whether separate flood coverage is appropriate.
When Water Is Rising Use City messages to decide whether to leave, stay inside, or move higher in the building. Choose a dry route; water can hide roadway damage, debris, contamination, and electrical current. Respect road closures and turn back before entering a submerged street or underpass. Relocate early when directed, before routes become limited or emergency vehicles need access.
Return and Clean Up Carefully Assume remaining water is unsafe because it may contain waste, sharp material, or energized equipment. Leave wet appliances and electrical systems off until a qualified person evaluates them. Create a photo record before removing damaged property, then notify your insurance provider. Use boots, gloves, and suitable respiratory protection; address damp materials before mold spreads.
Plan for Hot Days Choose a nearby cooled building and determine how you will get there if your home overheats. Account for medicine storage, mobility, pets, transportation, and equipment that requires electricity. Block direct sunlight at windows and test fans or cooling equipment before temperatures climb. Set a check-in schedule for older adults and anyone whose health makes heat more dangerous.
While Temperatures Are High Take frequent water breaks and shift demanding activity to cooler parts of the day. Relocate to a cooled public or private space before indoor heat becomes difficult to manage. Check every parked vehicle when leaving; no person or animal should remain inside. Watch for unusual sweating, weakness, headache, nausea, confusion, or fainting.
Recognize an Emergency Bring the person into a cooler setting, loosen excess clothing, and begin cooling the skin. Treat confusion, collapse, or suspected heat stroke as a medical emergency and call 9-1-1. Do not try to make an unconscious person drink. Maintain neighborhood check-ins through warm nights, not only during afternoon heat.
Build a Backup Plan Store working flashlights, spare batteries, and charged power banks where they are easy to find. Coordinate backup electricity and alternate locations for medical equipment or temperature-sensitive medicine. Keep transportation usable and include a radio that does not depend on household power. Practice releasing the garage door and other powered exits by hand.
While Electricity Is Off Limit opening refrigerators and freezers to keep stored food cold longer. Disconnect vulnerable electronics until service has stabilized. Operate fuel-powered generators only in open air and position them well away from doors, windows, and vents. Reduce unnecessary travel and approach an unlit traffic signal as an all-way stop.
After Service Is Restored Bring appliances back online in stages and stop if you notice heat, odor, sparks, or other damage. When you cannot verify that refrigerated food remained safe, dispose of it. Contact people nearby who rely on powered health or mobility equipment. Keep away from damaged wires or utility equipment and report the location.
Create Cleaner Indoor Air Select one room with doors and windows that close tightly enough to limit outside air. Match a portable air cleaner to the room size and keep the correct replacement filter available. Purchase N95 respirators in sizes household members can wear with a close facial seal. Discuss a smoke-day care plan with a medical provider when a household member has a heart or lung condition.
When Air Quality Declines Use the current Air Quality Index together with local public-health messages to adjust activities. Close exterior openings and use the recirculation setting when it suits your heating or cooling system. Move exercise and other strenuous tasks indoors; reduce pets' time outside. When outdoor exposure cannot be avoided, use an N95 that seals closely to the face.
Watch for Health Effects Leave for a cleaner-air location if smoke enters the room or closing the space causes unsafe heat. Use inhalers, oxygen, or other prescribed treatment as directed in your care plan. Severe breathing difficulty or chest pain requires immediate medical help through 9-1-1. Once outdoor air improves, ventilate as appropriate and replace heavily loaded filters.