Preparing for Emergency Before it Happens

Preparing for an emergency begins long before one happens. Here are a few steps you can take now to prepare.

Develop a Plan

Most of us have at one time or another thought about what we would do in the event of an emergency. Unfortunately, too many of us never go beyond just thinking about it. Even worse, some people believe having stored food supplies and a few thoughts about what they would do in an emergency is being prepared. The truth is without formalizing your thoughts on how you want to approach various emergencies you are not prepared.

In other words, being prepared means not only having supplies but having a written plan that includes training and practice. Developing a written plan not only organizes your thoughts it also provides a systematic and repeatable approach to emergencies. It's also an excellent tool for training and practicing.

Your plan should be tailored to meet your specific situation and the special actions required to meet specific types of emergencies. For example, what action should be taken in the event of a fire versus an earthquake or flood? Here are a few examples of emergencies for you to consider.

  • House fire
  • Wild land fire
  • Flooding
  • Earthquake
  • Intruder
  • School emergency
  • Work emergency
  • Large chemical spills near your neighborhood

Your plan should be reviewed and updated at least annually.

General Energy Preparedness

  • Check safety devices, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to ensure that they are functioning properly.
  • Check your furnace and other gas appliances for safe operation. Have a qualified heating contractor make any needed repairs.
  • Check to ensure tree branches are at least 10 feet away from power lines. Arrange to have them trimmed if needed by a qualified Professional.

General Safety Preparedness

  • Know if your home is in an area at risk of flooding or landslide
  • Check the condition of your roof
  • Clean debris from drains around your home or yard
  • Create an emergency plan for your family, identifying two places for the family to meet.
    1. A place outside your home
    2. A spot away from your neighborhood in case you can't return home
  • Practice the plan with your family, including your children
  • Review the emergency plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where members of your family regularly spend time away from home
  • Plan safe routes away from your home and business to high, safe ground. Make sure your children are aware of the routes away from home
  • Develop a plan for family pets and livestock
    • Evacuation shelters may not allow animals
  • Designate a friend outside the area who family members can call if separated
  • Keep current important documents in a safe-deposit box

Prepare a Kit of Emergency Supplies

During a major storm you may need emergency supplies. Here are some of the basics you should have on hand.

  • First aid kit and essential medicines
  • Packaged, dried, and canned food
  • baby food, pet food, and special diet items
  • Manual can opener
  • Portable radio and flashlights with spare batteries in waterproof bags
  • Three-day supply of bottled water (one gallon per person per day)
  • Rubber boots and rain poncho
  • An extra set of car keys
  • A credit card, cash or traveler's checks
  • Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members

Comprehensive Checklists

Read SDG&E's comprehensive checklists for your home, at work and in your car.

Last updated: January 26, 2009