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
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.
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.
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.
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 STROKE
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.
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.
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.
Strengthen your Home
Know your Evacuation Zone
Gather Supplies
IF YOU ARE UNDER A FLOOD WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY
Don’t walk, swim, or drive through flood waters!
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:
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.
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.