Current Emergency Alerts

State of Emergency - El Niño – September 21, 2026 – Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a State of Emergency(PDF, 3MB) for the entire state to prepare for the upcoming predicted El Niño event. The State of Emergency Proclamation directs CalOES and other state agencies to prepare for potential severe weather, flooding, coastal flooding, erosion, mud and debris flows, and other related impacts. City staff is working together to prepare for any impacts, and emergency management is collaborating with Alameda County OES to stay informed about developments in the situation. 

Free sandbags, available earlier than usual. Beginning Tuesday, October 6, free sandbags will be available at a self-service station at the corner of Lexington Avenue and W. Hope Street. Residents may take up to five sandbags. On Saturday, November 7, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., City staff will be on site to help residents load sandbags into their vehicles.

Storm drain maintenance. Crews are inspecting and maintaining storm drains ahead of winter storms, including recent work to protect the Shoreline from flooding.

Storm response. During major weather events, City staff monitor known flood-prone areas. When heavy rain and high tides overwhelm drainage systems, roads may be temporarily closed to protect public safety.

Long-term shoreline protection. The City is developing a Shoreline Adaptation Plan to protect the community from coastal flooding caused by sea level rise, groundwater rise, and increased storm surge.

How Residents Can Prepare

• Sign up for alerts. Register for emergency text, email, and phone alerts from Alameda County.
• Get property-specific guidance. Visit the City's Storm Preparedness webpage for tips and resources.
• Report flooding and storm hazards. Call Public Works at 510-747-7900 during business hours, or 510-337-8340 on evenings and weekends. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 9-1-1.
• Stay informed and prepare early. Monitor weather alerts and get ready ahead of heavy rain and king tides.

Register to receive AC Alerts by text, email or phone

• View current Alameda Municipal Power Outage Alerts
• Know Your Zone for evacuation purposes 

Other Notifications

• View U.S. Tsunami Warning System alerts
• View National Weather Service forecasts and alerts
• Sign up for City email updates
• Follow the City on Facebook, Nextdoor, Instagram
• Alameda Radio, 1280 AM
• Public access television, Channel 15

Call for help!

• Emergency: Call 911
• Report downed trees and flooded roads: 510-747-7900 during business hours, and 510-337-8340 on weekends and evenings.
• Report a power outage: 510-748-3900

Complete this voluntary questionnaire to help the City understand who may need additional support during a major emergency or evacuation.

Completing this questionnaire does not guarantee that emergency assistance will be available and does not provide priority response, evacuation, transportation, or other emergency services. During a disaster, help may be delayed for several hours or days, or may not be available.

Everyone should have an emergency plan and enough food, water, medications, and other necessary supplies to be self-sufficient for at least one week.

Please submit an updated questionnaire if your address, phone number, emergency contact, or support needs change.

Complete the survey

Prepare for Rainfall and Coastal Flooding

• View National Weather Service forecasts and alerts
• Learn if you are in a FEMA Flood Zone and what you need to know
• Visit the City of Alameda Storm Preparedness page for information about how to protect your property in a flood

Receive Earthquake Early Warning Alerts

• MyShake App: Free smartphone app that provides iPhone and Android users with audio and visual warnings [magnitude 4.5 or higher and Modified Mercalli Intensity III (weak) shaking]. Available at in the Apple App and Google Play stores. Ensure phone settings are adjusted to receive emergency alerts
• Android Earthquake Alerts: Android phones with updated operating systems are automatically subscribed to Android Earthquake Alerts, which uses the same technology as the MyShake App; and
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs): No-cost text messages for emergency situations [magnitude 5.0 or higher and Modified Mercalli Intensity IV (light) shaking].
• Learn how the system works

What to do before, during, and after an earthquake

There is a 72% probability of a nearby earthquake in the next 30 years with a magnitude of 6.7 or higher (fallen buildings, broken gas and water lines, fires) (USGS). In addition to the

BEFORE an earthquake

• Follow the5 Steps to Get Ready
• Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items
• Learn how to turn off gas valves
• Download the California Earthquake Readiness Guide

DURING an earthquake

DROP: Get to the floor so that you don't fall down. Shaking may be so powerful that you are knocked over if you try to move.

 COVER: The best way to protect yourself from falling objects is to get under a solid table or other furniture that can shield you. If you can't get under furniture, protect your head with a pillow, a book, or your hands.

 HOLD ON: If you are under a table or sitting on a chair or couch, hold on to the furniture so that you move with it and stay protected.

If you are using a wheelchair or a walker, you should LOCK, COVER, AND HOLD ON: Lock the brakes of your wheelchair or walker, cover your head and neck, and hold on during shaking.

Additionally, observe and act accordingly in the following situations:

• Outdoors: Stay away from buildings, trees, and power lines
• Driving: Move away from overpasses, come slowly to a stop in a safe area, and stay in your vehicle. Stay off bridges. Listen to the radio for updates
• In bed: Stay in bed and cover your head with a pillow
• In a high-rise building: Stay inside, on the same floor. Get under a desk and stay away from outside walls and windows. Do not use the elevator
• Near the shoreline: If severe shaking lasts 20 seconds or more, immediately move to higher ground – the earthquake may have generated a tsunami

AFTER an earthquake

• Put on shoes with thick soles to protect your feet from broken glass and debris
• Check yourself and others around you for injuries 
• For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. Otherwise, stay off the phone to leave lines clear for emergency responders
• Check gas, water, electrical lines, and appliances for damage. Only turn off the gas if you smell gas or smoke, see a fire, or otherwise suspect a broken gas main
• Check for building damage and potential safety hazards, like cracks around chimneys or foundations
• Once safe, monitor local news reports via battery-operated radio, TV, social media, and cell phone text alerts for emergency information and instructions
• Expectaftershocks

Power Outages: Prepare for Interrupted Services

• View Alameda Municipal Power Outage Alerts
• Report a power outage to AMP: 510-748-3900
• Follow power outage guidance from Ready.gov

Extreme heat: Stay Cool, Hydrated, and Connected

• During sustained heat waves, the City will open Cooling Centers at the libraries and Mastick Senior Center. Stay tuned for City alerts when Cooling Centers are announced.
• Follow high heat guidance from Ready.gov

Poor Air Quality: Protect Your Indoor Air

• Check Current Air Quality
• Follow wildfire and smoke guidance from Ready.gov

Prepare for Tsunamis

Do you live in a tsunami zone? Enter your address and find out! Use the links below to learn more and make sure you are prepared. 

View U.S. Tsunami Warning System alerts

Tsunami Resources:

• Alameda County Tsunami Hazard Areas

• California Tsunami Preparedness Guide

• Tsunami FAQ

• Guidance for Maritime Communities

• Statement about December 5, 2024 Tsunami Warning

View current tsunami alert bulletins issued by the national Tsunami Warning Center. There are four levels of “alert” that can be sent (from least to greatest significance):

• Tsunami Information Statement: Issued to inform and update emergency managers and the public that an earthquake has occurred, or that a tsunami Watch, Advisory or Warning has been issued elsewhere in the ocean.
• Tsunami Watch: Issued to alert emergency managers and the public of an event which may later impact the Watch area coastline. May be upgraded to an Advisory or Warning (or canceled) based on updated information and analysis.
• Tsunami Advisory: Issued due to the threat of a tsunami which may produce strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or near the water; typically called when forecasted tsunami amplitudes between 0.3m and 1m (1ft and 3ft) above existing tidal conditions are expected. Coastal communities are advised that beach and harbor areas could expect rapid, moderate tidal changes and strong currents.
• Tsunami Warning: Issued when a tsunami with significant widespread inundation is imminent or expected; typically called when forecasted tsunami amplitudes are equal to or greater than 1m (3ft). Coastal communities are advised to evacuate people from low-lying areas identified as vulnerable to tsunamis.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) team teaches residents and local businesses how to help in a disaster. Sign up to attend an upcoming training.

Alameda Strong Teams

Join or start an Alameda Strong Team to get to know your neighbors, build community, prepare for emergencies and protect the climate.

Police Beat Meetings

The Alameda Police Department has regular neighborhood meetings where you can learn about current trends and preparedness and safety tips. Identify your Police Beat and attend an upcoming meeting.

City of Alameda
Emergency Operations Plan(PDF, 2MB)
Hazard Mitigation Plan(PDF, 23MB)
General Plan

Alameda County
Alameda County Emergency Resources

State of California
MyHazards Tool
Be Prepared California

Contact Emergency Management

For questions about emergency and disaster planning, contact Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Captain Dallas Andrews.

dandrews@alamedaca.gov | 510-337-2129