Fires, Earthquakes, Extreme Weather: Here’s What You Need to Know to Get Prepared

Redwood City - The hits keep coming.

The last month of 2024 came with a tsunami warning. Now the first two weeks of 2025 have arrived with convoys of local firefightersdeploying to Los Angeles, an earthquake shaking the North Countyand a coastal flood advisory for this weekend.

"This morning's quake is a stark reminder that we must be prepared for any emergency including wildfires, tsunamis and the inevitable next Big One," said Board of Supervisors President David Canepa.

"San Mateo County has made funding emergency preparedness one of its top 3 priorities in the coming years because we know from experience that natural disaster can strike at any time," Canepa said. "We must also take personal responsibility for the safety our own families and be ready to evacuate if necessary with a plan, food, water, medicines and other necessities for the sake of our security."

Here are a few simple steps you can take today to help you and your family stay safe before, during and after emergencies.

Sign up for emergency alerts

The more time you have to prepare, the better.

SMC Alertis San Mateo County's primary alert and warning system used to contact you during urgent or emergency situations which may include life safety, fire, weather, accidents involving utilities or roadways or disaster notifications.

Many cities and public safety agencies offer similar alert systems. Search emergency alerts (your city or county).

Cal Fire provides emergency alerts about active wildfires (scroll to the bottom of the page).

Download the MyShake app, which warns of incoming earthquakes and can provide you with several precious seconds before shaking starts, said David Cosgrave, a veteran of 32 years in the fire service and now a member of the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management.

"Drop, cover and hold on if you hear an alert," Cosgrave said. "A few seconds can give you time to get away from objects that may fall and put yourself into a safer situation."

Learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEAs, which are emergency messages sent by authorized government agencies about extreme weather or flooding conditions and other local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action. No sign up is necessary.

"Remain weather readyno matter the season, from fires to floods, the atmosphere has a way of keeping us on our toes," said Brian Garcia, a warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Monterey.

The San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management will host a free Wildfire Safety webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Further details will be published soon on this platform and on social media.

Pack a Go Bag

When a disaster hits, you might not have time to gather necessary supplies. Pack a Go Bagso it's ready to grab in case of an emergency. Think about the items you'd take:

Copies of identification and insurance cards
Cash
Contact list
Change of clothes
Local maps (paper copy)
Medicine & important medical information
Phone charger & backup battery
Flashlight
First aid kit

"In an emergency, you don't have time to go to the store," Cosgrave said.

Know the Difference: What Evacuation Warnings and Orders Mean

There are three types of evacuation alerts, according to the California Office of Emergency Services:

Evacuation Warning:Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.

Evacuation Order:Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access.

Shelter in Place:Go indoors. Shut and lock doors and windows. Prepare to self-sustain until further notice and/or contacted by emergency personnel for additional direction.

A final thought

"Plan ahead to make sure you and your family can take action immediately," Cosgrave said. "That's the time when your car has a full tank of gas, when your car is pointed out to the street so you don't have to back out, your Go Bag is ready and packed. Evacuating early is always the safest thing to do."

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