Preparedness begins at home. Before we can help our workplaces or communities, we need to make sure we — as individuals — are ready to face the unexpected. That’s why Week 1 of National Preparedness Month focuses on individual preparedness.
Emergencies don’t come with a warning. Wildfires, power outages, earthquakes, floods, and even medical emergencies can disrupt life without notice. By preparing now, you reduce stress, protect your loved ones, and give yourself the confidence to act quickly when it matters most.
Stay Informed: Alerts and Warnings
The first step in being prepared is knowing when danger is coming. Sign up for emergency alerts so you don’t miss critical warnings:
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Text-like messages automatically sent to your phone during serious emergencies.
- FEMA App: Provides alerts, preparedness tips, and shelter locations.
- Cal OES MyHazards Tool: Learn about risks in your neighborhood (earthquakes, wildfires, floods).
- County/Local Alerts: Many counties (like Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado) offer opt-in emergency text or email systems.
Being plugged in means you can act quickly — whether it’s evacuating, sheltering in place, or checking on loved ones.
Build Your Emergency Preparedness Kit
A well-stocked kit gives you peace of mind. Here’s a starter list:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
- Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
- Flashlights, extra batteries, and a whistle
- First aid kit and necessary medications
- Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, medical records)
- Phone chargers, portable power banks
- Multi-tool, duct tape, and gloves
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Personal hygiene items (toiletries, masks, sanitizer)
- Pet supplies (food, leash, carrier)
👉 Pro tip: Keep one kit at home, one in your car, and a smaller “go-bag” ready for fast evacuations.
Know Your Hazards
Preparedness looks different depending on where you live. In Northern California, the biggest risks include:
- Wildfire – Be ready to evacuate quickly if conditions change.
- Flooding – Know if your home is in a floodplain and map evacuation routes.
- Earthquakes – Secure heavy furniture, and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
- Extreme Heat – Plan for hydration, cooling centers, and ways to protect vulnerable family members.
Take time to identify your specific risks — then tailor your kit and plan around them.
Practice Your Plan
A plan only works if you practice it. As an individual, consider:
- Do you know how to shut off gas, water, or power if needed?
- Do you have multiple evacuation routes in case one is blocked?
- Do you know where local shelters or cooling centers are located?
- Could you find essentials in the dark with a flashlight?
Small, simple drills build confidence, reduce panic, and help you spot weak points before a real emergency happens.
Training: The Skills to Back It Up
Preparedness isn’t just about supplies — it’s about skills. Knowing how to perform CPR, use an AED, stop bleeding, or respond to a medical emergency could save a life while waiting for first responders.
At Safety Training Pros, we offer nationally recognized training in:
- CPR/AED & First Aid
- Stop the Bleed
- EpiPen & Narcan Training
- Wilderness Rescue
Our instructors bring real-world rescue experience, so you don’t just get certified — you get confident.
What’s Next?
This is the first post in our Preparedness Month Blog Series. Each week we’ll focus on a different area of readiness:
- Week 2: Is Your Workplace Ready for an Emergency?
- Week 3: Building Stronger, Safer Communities
- Week 4: Protecting Your Family at Home
- Week 5: Resilience & Recovery
👉 Follow along all month for practical tips and resources you can put into action right away.