Sign-up for alerts!

• AC Alert: Sign up for emergency text, email, and phone alerts
• View Alameda Municipal Power Outage Alerts
• View City of Alameda Alerts
•  Know Your Zone for evacuation purposes
• U.S. Tsunami Warning System
•  National Weather Service
•  City email updates
• Follow the City on Facebook, Nextdoor, Instagram

Call for help!

• Emergency: Call 911
• Report downed trees and flooded roads: 510-337-8340 
• Report a power outage: 510-748-3900

The City of Alameda and AUSD prepared this 8-week preparedness guide with tips on getting your household prepared for a disaster.  

Week 1: Collect Water
Scientists predict that a major earthquake could damage the distribution system that provides much of the Bay Area with clean, fresh water. That’s why it’s important to collect and store enough water for drinking, washing, and possibly cooking. 

Download more information here(PDF, 52KB) about how to collect water and store it.

Week 2: Gather Food
In the event of a major earthquake, roads could be blocked, stores could be closed, and restaurants may be rendered inoperable. Your own kitchen may also not be usable, so gathering and storing food for all family members is an essential part of earthquake preparation.

Download more information here(PDF, 51KB) on collecting food for your earthquake kit.

Week 3: Create a Household Bin
A complete emergency preparedness kit includes clothing, bedding, and shelter, plus toiletries and tools - and your water and food, of course.

Download more information here(PDF, 51KB) on creating the bin.

Week 4: Copy Important Documents
You may very well need but not have access to documents or on-line information that identifies you, your financial accounts, important contact numbers, and your medical needs and insurance coverage in the event of an emergency. That's why it's important to have copies of your information in your earthquake kit.  

Download a complete list of what you need here(PDF, 49KB).

Week 5: Create Your "Go" Bags
Keep a small bag filled with vital supplies - such as water, a coat, a snack, and some important papers - in a place where you can easily grab it if you need to exit your home quickly.

Download suggestions for what should go in your go bag here(PDF, 142KB).

Week 6: Create On-The-Go "Go" Bags!
Just as you need "go" bags in your home, you should have one in your office and/or car. That way you have a small stash of supplies available if there's an emergency situation while you're outside the house.

Download suggestions for what should go in your on-the-go go bag here(PDF, 135KB).

Week 7: Prepare Your Home
While you can't prevent an earthquake, you can minimize the risk of destruction to your home (and your family members) by making your home earthquake safe. Take the Earthquake Home Safety Quiz to find out what you need to do!

Download a full list of suggestions for how to secure your home here(PDF, 140KB).

Week 8: Make (and Practice) a Household Plan!
Just as our school sites and businesses conduct emergency drills, so should you and anyone living in your household!

Learn what should be in your emergency plan here(PDF, 150KB). 

What to do before, during, and after an earthquake

BEFORE an earthquake

• Make a plan with your household, including a meeting spot and emergency contact numbers
• Download the MyShake app in the Apple App or Google Play stores and learn about the State of California's Earthquake Early Warning System
• Prepare an emergency plan for pets
• Discover tips about how to get prepared, including making sure you have enough food and water, knowing where to find important documents, and earthquake proofing your home
• Learn how to turn off gas valves
• Learn more about the USGS Haywired scenario

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
• Expect aftershocks

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. 

Tsunami Resources:

• Statement about December 5, 2024 Tsunami Warning

• General Preparedness tips

• 2019 Tsunami FAQs

• 2019 Tsunami Community Meeting Video

• 2019 Tsunami Awareness and preparedness presentation by the CA Dept of Conservation

• 2019 Tsunami Program Foundation presentation by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, CA Geological Survey, and National Weather Service

• 2019 Presentation to Maritime Communities

• 2019 Marina Port Community Meeting Video

The Alameda Fire Department Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) teaches residents and local businesses how to help in a disaster. Read more and sign up to attend an upcoming training.

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
Tsunami FAQ
Emergency Operations Plan
Hazard Mitigation Plan(PDF, 65MB)
Alameda General Plan: Safety and Noise
FEMA Flood Maps
Preparedness Tips

Alameda County
Alameda County Emergency Resources
Alameda County Tsunami Hazard Areas

State of California
MyHazards Tool
California Tsunami Preparedness Guide
Be Prepared California