Disaster checklist: what to do before and after

Preparation

• Download apps that will be useful during an emergency. See many of the sections below on this page.

• Compile a list of where to get emergency information, including radio stations, social networks, websites and public safety alerts. Keep this list in your car and in your home.

• Microchip your pets.

• Take photos of your belongings.

• Review and update your insurance coverages.

• Make copies of your important documents and store them in a safe place or in the cloud.

• Replace your smoke detectors at least once every 10 years.

• Check your fire extinguishers and make sure they and other firefighting tools are easily accessible.

• Pack emergency survival kits for your home and car -- don't forget medications and items for your pets.

• Plan and practice family escape routes from your home and establish a meeting place.

• Assign responsibilities to family members during an emergency such as contacting other family members, turning off the gas and gathering pets.

• Know where your gas shutoff valve is and have necessary tools easily accessible.

• Maintain a defensible zone around your home.

• Notify PG&E if you notice unsafe power lines.

• Consider buying alternate power and communication devices.

Aftermath

• Seek federal assistance, mortgage relief, tax relief and unemployment benefits.

• Contact your insurance provider and start a claim as soon as possible.

• Consider counseling as you rebuild your life.

• Reach out to family -- for your sake and theirs.

 

Alameda County emergency alerts and resources

 

AC Alert is the mass notification system used by county and city agencies to send emergency alerts to people in Alameda County. We strongly encourage you to subscribe to AC Alert.

 

Contra Costa County emergency alerts and resources 

 

BFN is adjacent to Contra Costa County. It is prudent to be aware of Contra Costa County's emergency information and alerts.

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Nixle (Everbridge)

 

Nixle is a privately owned service that provides alerts on critical events that affect you based on your zip code. To download the app on your phone, go to everbridge.com

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Evacuation routes

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When needed, police and fire departments establish evacuation routes. The specific routes depend on the nature and location of the emergency and the availability of resources. For real-time evacuation information, enter your address at Genasys Protect (formerly Zonehaven Aware).

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City of Berkeley resources

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Disaster preparedness resources from City of Berkeley. See also City of Berkeley's Household Fire Weather Planning Tool.

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SF Chronicle survival guides 

 

Guides from the SF Chronicle on preparing for earthquakes and wildfires.

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Berkeley Disaster Preparedness Neighborhood Network

 

Information and events on disaster preparedness.

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Sign up for emails from the Berkeley Ready disaster preparedness network at this link.

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See this link for an introductory presentation on disaster preparedness.

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Disaster planning for people with disabilities

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Disaster planning tips for people with special needs from the US Dept. of Homeland Security.

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PG&E’s emergency guide

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Preparedness tips and outage reporting.

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Basic home fire safety

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Home fire safety and prevention tips from the Red Cross.

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Making water safe in an emergency

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The CDC provides a comprehensive guide on making water safe in an emergency at this page.

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Pets

 

Advice from the ASPCA on keeping pets safe.

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Insurance advice for living trusts

 

If your home is held in a living trust and the trust is not listed as an 'additional named insured' in your insurance policy, you could be denied coverage, as happened after the LA fires. For more information see here.

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Important legal documents

 

Information on securing important legal documents in advance of a disaster.

 

Bulky waste pickup

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Eliminating bulky waste minimizes flammable debris, especially when this waste resides outdoors. Excess bulky items inside the house or garage can impede quick exit of residents or easy access of first responders. Every City of Berkeley household is entitled to one free bulky waste pickup per calendar year. See this link for more information on this and other ways of disposing of items that do not fit in your weekly trash pickup.

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