Make A Plan

Disasters can happen without warning. A household plan helps you act quickly, stay connected and make safe decisions. Create your plan together, keep a printed copy with your emergency supplies and review it at least once a year.

Decide how you will communicate

• Choose an out-of-area contact everyone can text or call.
• Write down important phone numbers. Keep copies in your wallet, emergency kit and go-bag.
• Choose a meeting place near your home and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
• Agree on how you will check in if household members are separated or phone and internet service are unavailable.
• Review emergency procedures at work, school and child care.

Use Ready.gov’s household planning resources and complete a family emergency communication plan.

Stay informed

Know where to find official instructions before an emergency.

• Emergency notifications: Register for SMC Alert. Add addresses that matter to you and keep your contact information current.
• Alert options: Learn about emergency alerts, evacuation information and earthquake warnings.
• Routine City news: Subscribe to the City’s Weekly Digest for community news and preparedness information.
• Additional updates: Follow the City’s official social media accounts to supplement emergency notifications.

Plan how you will evacuate

• Identify more than one route out of your neighborhood. During an emergency, follow official routing instructions and road closures.
• Choose a destination outside the affected area, such as a friend’s or relative’s home, and identify a backup.
• Arrange transportation and a backup option. Include space for mobility devices, essential equipment and animals.
• Keep go-bags accessible at home, work and in your vehicle. Do not delay an evacuation to gather belongings.
• Make sure everyone understands evacuation warnings, evacuation orders and shelter-in-place instructions.

Use the City’s evacuation page to access zone lookup and review what to do when officials issue instructions. Looking up your zone does not enroll you in SMC Alert.

Find my zone and plan my evacuation

Plan for everyone in your household

• Include medications, mobility devices, communication needs and essential medical equipment.
• Plan for equipment that needs electricity and medications that require refrigeration.
• Agree on who can help with transportation, communication or other needs, and identify backup helpers.
• Include children, older adults, pets and service animals in your plan.
• Ask each person what support they need. Share personal information only with their permission.

Plan for disabilities, medical needs and other access and functional needs.

Prepare transportation, supplies and care arrangements for pets.

Plan for power outages and electricity-dependent equipment.

Prepare supplies and connect with neighbors

Keep emergency supplies where household members can find them. Include essential items you can carry if you need to leave quickly.

• Build an emergency kit for your household.
• Make a check-in plan with neighbors who would like to participate.

Practice and update your plan

• Practice contacting your out-of-area contact and meeting at your agreed location.
• Check that everyone knows where to find the plan, supplies and important documents.
• Practice evacuation arrangements, including loading mobility equipment and pet carriers.
• Review the plan at least annually and whenever household members, phone numbers, schools, jobs or support needs change.
• Replace outdated contact lists and expired supplies.

Start with one step today: choose your emergency contact and share that information with your household.