We all benefit from preparing for a disaster. And we all have different needs based on age, family, pets, medical issues or disabilities. Remember, you don’t have to do it all in one day. It’s okay to prepare over time because every step you take improves your preparedness.

These 5 simple tips will help you take the first steps towards getting prepared. 

In a disaster, you need to know what to do, where to go, and when. 

• In Marin County, AlertMarin is the official emergency notification system used by all public safety agencies to issue real-time alerts during disasters or life-threatening events.
• AlertMarin tells you when you need to take action to be safe. By signing up, you'll receive targeted notifications if your registered address or location is in an impacted area. 

Learn more about emergency alerts

Decide what you’ll do and where you’ll go if a disaster happens. 

• Identify a few meeting locations in case your family gets separated, one close to home and another outside your area.
• Write down important phone numbers (if you lose your cell phone or you can’t charge it)
• Choose an out-of-area contact everyone can check in with during an emergency
• Share your plan with family, friends, and neighbors.
• Connect with neighbors now. Talk about what help they might need, or what you might need from them, and be ready to support each other.
• Marin Center for Independent Living offers the Powered & Prepared program. This program is for community members who rely on powered medical devices (like an oxygen regulator or mobile scooter). Marin CIL can provide durable portable batteries to community members who qualify. Learn more and apply at MarinCIL.org.[External]

Neighbors knowing neighbors is an important part of any plan. Join a Neighborhood Response Group or learn more about how you can start a new one.

Make a plan

You can gather supplies and be ready in case you need to evacuate or shelter in place. 

• Pack a go-bag for evacuations. Everyone in your household needs a go-bag, including pets and kids.
• Gather supplies in case you have to shelter in place. Store extra medications, food, and water.  

Gather supplies

We have resources to help you learn about preparing for specific disasters, like earthquakes or wildfires. 

Learn more about all-hazard preparedness