Extreme weather events such as earthquakes, wildfires and heat waves can strike without warning, so it is important to remain cautious and prepared at all times.
The City of Concord encourages residents to be proactive and create a family emergency preparedness plan. Each member of the household should know in advance what to do in case of an emergency.
Creating an emergency kit is a good first step in preparing for an emergency. Important items for your kit include fresh drinking water, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, flashlight, multipurpose tools, toiletries and medications. Keep your items in waterproof containers and store them in an easily accessible place. Make sure to have enough supplies on hand to last about a week.
Evaluating the safety of your home is another way to stay prepared. Know when and how to turn off your electricity and gas, should it be necessary. If you have a backup generator on hand, ensure that it is in good condition and working properly. It is also a good idea to locate a fire extinguisher and know how to operate it.
Earlier this year, PG&E announced that it will implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs as part of its Community Wildfire Safety program. If extreme fire danger conditions threatens a portion of the electric system, the utility may turn off electricity. They recommend that customers prepare for possible power shutoffs that can last several hours or days. Customers can sign up at www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts to receive PG&E alerts by text, phone or email, and they will be notified about outages and other events in their respective communities and receive status updates on when service will be restored.
For more tips on how to prepare for emergencies, visit www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html.