Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness Websites 

City of Sonoma

In a major disaster, it might be several days before vital city services are restored. Sonoma is exposed to a wide variety of hazards, both natural and man-made, including earthquakes, fires, and severe storms. In addition to signing up for alerts, your best defense is to take steps to be prepared for emergencies, both at home and in your place of business. It’s also important, especially during wildfire season, to prepare for extended power outages.  We’ve provided links to a number of resources to help you create a plan that will assist you during an emergency.

Source: City of Sonoma

County of Sonoma

Sonoma County has experienced a number of disasters over the past several years including floods, earthquakes, power shutoffs, a pandemic and wildfires. The County’s alert and warning systems have grown to notify residents of an emergency in their area early and accurately. Many alerts require individuals opt-in, below are links to sign-up and information on additional warning systems. To learn more about the County’s Emergency and Preparedness information visit  www.socoemergency.org 

Source: Soco Emergency

Sonoma COAD stands for Community Organizations Active in Disaster.  Member organizations focus on preparedness and are ready to respond with resources, volunteers and coordination of services to those who need assistance during and immediately after a disaster, and ideally hold the capacity to activate a long-term recovery group.

Listos California

The Listos (Ready) California Emergency Preparedness Campaign  ensures that communities are prepared for emergencies, through community service, neighborhood preparedness, and disaster resilience. It builds on the success of existing resident efforts throughout the State of California to foster local community disaster preparedness networks.

Source: Listos CA. Click on the DISASTER GUIDE icon to access the PDF format in various languages.

Click on the LISTOS California icon to access the website.

Emergency Numbers

HAZARDS

Extreme Heat

There is hot, and then there is hot! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and ways to respond. If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place if you can. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1.

Get more detailed information about heat-related illnesses from the CDC and National Weather Service.

HEAT STROKEIllustration of a sweating woman holding her stomach and her dizzy head.

  • Signs:
    • Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally
    • Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
    • Rapid, strong pulse
    • Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness

If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.


Earthquakes

An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. While they can happen anywhere without warning, areas at higher risk for earthquakes include Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington and the entire Mississippi River Valley.

Prepare Before an Earthquake

feature_mini imgThe best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.

Stay Safe During

feature_mini imgIf an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away

Protect Yourself During Earthquakes

Illustration of drop, cover, hold on.

Stay Safe After

feature_mini imgThere can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.
feature_mini imgOnce you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency information and instructions via battery-operated radio, TV, social media or from cell phone text alerts.

Wildfires

Wildfires are unplanned fires that burn in natural areas like forests, grasslands or prairies. These dangerous fires spread quickly and can devastate not only wildlife and natural areas, but also communities.

Prepare for Wildfires

feature_mini imgRecognize Warnings and Alerts

 

feature_mini imgMake an Emergency Plan

 

feature_mini imgReview Important Documents

 

feature_mini imgStrengthen your Home

feature_mini imgKnow your Evacuation Zone

feature_mini imgGather Supplies


Flooding

IF YOU ARE UNDER A FLOOD WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

Don’t walk, swim, or drive through flood waters!

    • Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.
  • Determine how best to protect yourself based on the type of flooding.
    • Evacuate if told to do so.
    • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
    • Stay where you are.
  • Make sure you are signed up for SoCoAlert in case there is an evacuation issued for your area, https://socoemergency.org/get-ready/sign-up/.
  • Never, ever touch a downed power line or go near one. Power lines are not insulated like power cords. Always assume the power line is live.
    • Don’t touch anything or anyone in contact with a downed power line.
    • Keep children and pets away from a downed power line.
    • Don’t drive over a downed power line.
    • Call your Local Fire Agency or 911 if immediate danger
    • PGE: 1-800-743-5000

In case of Power Outages

  • If you know someone who would be medically adversely impacted by a power outage, please have them reach out to the local Independent Living Center in Santa Rosa – Disability Services and Legal Center at 707-528-2745.  They may be able to assist with backup power options or lodging if the person may experience a prolonged power outage.
  • Redwood Empire Food Bank Food Finder Tool in case people experience food spoilage and need to find a food distribution site: https://getfood.refb.org/
  • You can also dial 2-1-1 or text ZIP CODE to 898-211 for incident specific information and storm-related resources.

Information on preparing for a flood can be found here: https://socoemergency.org/emergency/flooding/

To report downed trees, rock slides, or other road hazards, call:

  • Business Hours: (707) 565-5100 (SoCo Department of Public Infrastructure)
  • Overnight: (707) 565-2121 (SoCo Sheriff’s Office)

The North Bay, including Sonoma, Napa, Solano and Marin Counties , has multiple animal disaster resources (CARTs). But responders may not be able to reach animals or people trapped by water or debris for several days in some situations.


People with Disabilities

Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, genders or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.


 

SVCHC Emergency Preparedness Podcast


  • Dec 15, 2024

    Vintage House

    The mission of Vintage House is to help support, preserve, and enhance the quality of life for residents of Sonoma Valley as they age, by fostering well-being, connection, and a sense of purpose and enjoyment through opportunities for lifelong learning, personal growth, and support.

    22:23
  • Dec 15, 2024

    KSVY

    KSVY is a non-commercial community radio station for the benefit of the Sonoma Valley.  Its mission  is to bring the listener the tapestry of life in the Sonoma Valley including being a vital lifeline open to residents and businesses in time of crisis and emergency.

    42:21
  • Dec 15, 2024

    La Luz Center

    La Luz Center’s mission is to strengthen the community through family services, economic advancement, and community engagement.   It is a local resource center that offers a variety of resources and programs, including emergency preparedness  awareness.

    33:30