Household/Family Talk with your family about potential disasters and why it's necessary to prepare for them. Involve each member of your family in the planning process. By showing them simple steps that can increase their safety, you can help reduce their anxiety about emergencies.
• Make sure everyone knows where to find your disaster supply kit and Go-bags.
• Have a flashlight and a pair of shoes under everyone’s bed in case there is an earthquake during the night. Use a plastic bag tied to the leg of the bed to keep these items from moving during an earthquake.
• Plan where to meet after a disaster if your home becomes unsafe. Choose two places, one just outside your home and one outside your neighborhood in case you are told to evacuate. Be sure your gas tank is always at least half full.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Try to identify two escape routes.
• Make sure each member knows who your family’s out-of-state contact is and instruct them to call this person and tell him/her where they are.
• Locate the gas main and other utilities and make sure family members know when and how to turn them off.
• Practice your evacuation routes, Drop, Cover & Hold and Stop, Drop & Roll drills.
• Teach each member of your family how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Create emergency response cards for each of your family members.
• Take into account the special needs of children, seniors or people with disabilities, family members that don’t speak English and pets.
Home Safety
During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. However, there are simple steps you can take to make your home safer. Start by viewing each room with a “disaster eye” and identify potential hazards – bookshelves that could tip over in an earthquake and block exits or heavy objects that could fall and cause injury.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and change batteries every 6 months.
• Move beds away from windows.
• Move mirrors and heavy pictures away from couches or places where people sit.
• Clear hallways and exits for easy evacuation.
• Store heavy items on the lowest shelves.
• Keep an ABC type fire extinguishers on each level and know how and when to use them.
• Strap down your water heater and fit all gas appliances with a flexible gas supply line.
• Store flammable or highly reactive chemicals (such as bleach, ammonia, paint thinners) securely and separate from each other.
• Secure pictures and wall hangings and use restraints to secure heavy items such as bookcases and file cabinets.
• Know how and when to switch off your utilities.
• Ensure that all window safety bars have emergency releases.
• Be sure your home number is visible from the street so emergency vehicles can find you.
Visit the Association of Bay Area Governments for resources and information on structural and non-structural things you can do to make your home more safe in an earthquake.
Children
Plan:
• Include your children in family discussions and planning for emergency safety.
• Teach your children their basic personal information so they can identify themselves and get help if they become separated from a parent or guardian.
• Prepare an emergency card with information for each child, including his/her full name, address, phone number, parent’s work number and out of state contact.
• Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children attend. Make plans to have someone pick them up if you are unable to get to them.
• Regularly update your child’s school with current emergency contact information and persons authorized to pick up your child from school.
• Make sure each child knows the family’s alternate meeting sites if you are separated in a disaster and cannot return to your home.
• Make sure each child knows how to reach your family’s out-of-state contact person.
• Teach children to dial their home telephone number and Emergency 9-1-1.
• Teach children what gas smells like and advise them to tell an adult if they smell gas after an emergency.
• Warn children never to touch wires on poles or lying on the ground.
• Role-play with children to help them remain calm in emergencies and to practice basic emergency responses such as evacuation routes, Drop, Cover & Hold and Stop, Drop & Roll.
• Role-play with children as to what they should do if a parent is suddenly sick or injured.
• Role-play with children on what to say when calling Emergency 9-1-1.
Kit:
• Include a family picture and a favorite toy, game or book for each child in his/her Go-bag.
• Include your child’s emergency card and include information on reunification locations and out-of-area contact.
• Provide comfort food and treats for each child in your family disaster supplies kit.
• Keep a recent photo of your children in your Go-bag.
Seniors & Disabled
• Set up a Personal Support Network: Designate someone to check on you in an emergency and to help with evacuation or sheltering-in-place.
• Prepare and carry with you an emergency health information card: This will help you to communicate if you are found unconscious or incoherent. Include information about your medications, adaptive equipment, blood type, allergies and sensitivities, insurance numbers, immunization dates, communication difficulties and preferred treatment, as well as contact information for your health providers, personal support network and emergency contacts.
• Personal Care Assistance: If you receive assistance from a home healthcare agency or in-home support provider, find out how the provider will respond in an emergency. Designate backup or alternative providers that you can contact in an emergency.
• For Persons Using a Wheelchair: Plan for how you will evacuate in an emergency and discuss it with your care providers. If you use a motorized wheelchair, have a manual wheelchair as a backup.
• For Persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired: Keep an extra cane by your bed. Attach a whistle; in case you need to attract attention. Exercise caution when moving, paths may have become obstructed.
• For Persons who are Hearing Impaired: Keep extra batteries for your hearing aids with emergency supplies. Consider storing your hearing aids in a container attached to your nightstand or bedpost, so you can locate them quickly after a disaster.
• For persons with Communication Disabilities: Store paper, writing materials, copies of a word or letter board and preprinted key phrases in your emergency kit, your wallet, purse, etc.
Utilities
Natural gas leaks can cause an explosive and flammable atmosphere inside a building.
Gas
Natural gas leaks can cause fires and explosions inside a building.
• If you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line, or if you suspect a leak, shut off the main valve and open all windows and doors.
• Never use candles or matches if you suspect a leak. Do not turn on electrical switches or appliances.
• Identify the main shutoff valve, located on the gas line coming into the main gas meter. This is usually on the exterior of your home or building, or in an external closet. Your main valve may look like this:
• To turn gas off, give the valve a quarter turn in either direction. When the lever crosses the direction of the pipe (see below) the gas is off.
• Keep a crescent wrench or gas shut-off tool nearby to turn the lever.
• Never attempt to turn your gas back on. Wait for your utility company to do it. This may take several days.
Food
When a disaster occurs, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. Store enough emergency food to provide for your family for at least 3 days.
• Store food items that are familiar, rather than buying special emergency food. Consider any dietary restrictions and preferences you may have.
• Ideal foods are: Shelf-stable (no refrigeration required), low in salt, and do not require cooking (e.g. canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, jam, low-salt crackers, cookies, cereals, nuts, dried fruit, canned soup or meats, juices and non-fat dry milk).
• Mark a rotation date on any food container that does not already have an expiration date on the package.
• Include baby food and formula or other diet items for infants or seniors.
• Store the food in airtight, pest-resistant containers in a cool, dark place.
• Most canned foods can safely be stored for at least 18 months. Low acid foods like meat products, fruits or vegetables will normally last at least 2 years. Use dry products, like boxed cereal, crackers, cookies, dried milk or dried fruit within six months.
• After a power outage, refrigerated food will stay cold longer if you keep the door closed. Food should generally be consumed within 4 hours. Food in the freezer will normally remain safe for 2 days.
Water
In a disaster, water supplies may be cut off or contaminated. Store enough water for everyone in your family to last for at least 3 days.
• Store one gallon of water per person, per day. Three gallons per person per day will give you enough to drink and for limited cooking and personal hygiene. Remember to plan for pets.
If you store tap water:
• Tap water from a municipal water system can be safely stored without additional treatment.
• Store water in food grade plastic containers, such as clean 2-liter soft drink bottles. Heavy duty, reusable plastic water containers are also available at sporting goods stores. Empty milk bottles are not recommended because their lids do not seal well and bottles may develop leaks.
• Label and store in a cool, dark place.
• Replace water at least once every six months.
If you buy commercially bottled “spring” or “drinking” water:
• Keep water in its original container, and don’t re-store a bottle once it’s been opened.
• Store in a cool, dark place.
• If bottles are not marked with the manufacturer’s expiration date, label with the date and replace bottles at least once per year.
Treating Water after Disaster:
If you run out of stored drinking water, strain and treat water from your water heater or the toilet reservoir tank (except if you use toilet tank cleaners). Swimming pool or spa water should not be consumed but you can use it for flushing toilets or washing.
Treatment Process:
Strain any large particles of dirt by pouring the water through layers of paper towels or clean cloth. Next, purify the water one of two ways:
• Boil – bring to a rolling boil and maintain for 3-5 minutes. After the water cools, pour it back and forth between two clean containers to add oxygen back; this will improve its taste.
• Disinfect – If the water is clear, add 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water. If it is cloudy, add 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) per gallon. Make sure you are using regular bleach— 5.25% percent sodium hypochlorite— rather than the “ultra” or “color safe” bleaches. Shake or stir, then let stand 30 minutes. A slight chlorine taste and smell is normal.
First Aid
In any emergency, you or a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. Keep the following basic first aid supplies so you are prepared to help when someone is hurt.
• Two pairs of disposable gloves
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
• Burn ointment
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
• Scissors
• Over-the-counter medicines such as Aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication
• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine, or asthma inhaler
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose monitoring equipment or blood pressure monitors
Go-bag
A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.
• Flashlight
• Radio – battery operated
• Batteries
• Whistle
• Dust mask
• Pocket knife
• Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
• Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
• Local map
• Some water and food
• Permanent marker, paper and tape
• Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
• List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers
• List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
• Copy of health insurance and identification cards
• Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
• Prescription medications and first aid supplies
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Extra keys to your house and vehicle
• Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.
Phone
Plan for how you will communicate with loved ones after a disaster.
• Long-distance phone lines often work before local phone lines, so identify an out-of-state contact and provide this person with the contact information of people you want to keep informed of your situation. Share this information with your family and friends locally.
• Avoid making non-urgent phone calls after a disaster – even if phone lines are un-damaged, increased phone traffic can jam phone circuits.
• Cordless phones or phone systems require electricity; make sure you have a backup phone that requires no electricity.
• Keep coins in your Go-bag. Payphones may work before other phone lines.
• Don’t count on your cell phone - increased traffic on cell phone networks can quickly overload wireless capacity.
• Record an outgoing message on your voicemail so that callers can be re-assured of your safety status.
• Learn how to use text messaging. It uses a different part of the cell phone network and it might be possible to send and receive text messages when voice channels for mobile phones and land lines are jammed.
• Register your email addresses and wireless devices (mobile phones, pagers and PDAs) at AlertSF.org. When possible, the City will send text alerts about potential hazards and/or post disaster information. Examples include tsunami warnings and local disaster shelter locations.
• After an earthquake, check all your telephones to be sure they have not shaken off the hook and are tying up a line.
Earthquake
If you are indoors when shaking starts:
• “DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.” If you are not near a strong table or desk, drop to the floor against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
• Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with heavy objects.
• Do not try to run out of the structure during strong shaking.
• If you are downtown, it is safer to remain inside a building after an earthquake unless there is a fire or gas leak. There are no open areas in downtown San Francisco far enough from glass or other falling debris to be considered safe refuge sites. Glass from high-rise buildings does not always fall straight down; it can catch a wind current and travel great distances.
• If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
• Do not use elevators.
• If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover your head.
If you are outdoors when shaking starts:
• Move to a clear area if you can safely walk. Avoid power lines, buildings and trees.
• If you’re driving, pull to the side of the road and stop. Avoid stopping under overhead hazards
• If you are on the beach, move to higher ground. An earthquake can cause a tsunami.
Once the earthquake shaking stops:
• Check the people around you for injuries; provide first aid. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
• Check around you for dangerous conditions, such as fires, downed power lines and structure damage.
• If you have fire extinguishers and are trained to use them, put out small fires immediately.
• Turn off the gas only if you smell gas.
• Check your phones to be sure they have not shaken off the hook and are tying up a line.
• Inspect your home for damage.
If you are trapped in debris:
• Move as little as possible so that you don’t kick up dust. Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort.
Tsunami
A local earthquake may generate tsunami waves that can reach shore in minutes. If you are on the beach or other low-lying area close to the ocean or bay, immediately evacuate by walking to higher ground if:
• Officials issue a tsunami warning and order evacuations;
• You hear the Outdoor Warning System (and it’s not Tuesday at Noon);
• The earth shakes so much that you can’t stand;
• Shaking lasts longer than 20 seconds; and/or
• You notice water receding from the shoreline.
View a PDF of the local inundation map.
For more information on tsunamis, view our Tsunami FAQ.
Storm / Flooding
Severe storms can cause landslides, flooding, uprooted trees, and downed utility lines. Call 3-1-1 for information on free sandbags to protect your property from flooding.
• Tune to KCBS 740 AM or local TV channels for emergency advisories and instructions.
• If water has entered a garage or basement, do not walk through it – it may contain hazardous materials.
• Do not try to drive over a flooded road. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately. Attempting to move a stalled vehicle in flood conditions can be fatal.
• If you are asked to leave your property, disconnect all electrical appliances.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you must walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Stay clear of water that is in contact with downed power lines.
• Do not allow children to play around high water, storm drains or any flooded areas.
• If you are asked to leave your property, shut off electric circuits. If advised by your local utility, shut off gas service as well.
Terrorism
Terrorism may involve devastating acts using weapons of mass destruction. These weapons range from chemical agents, biological hazards, a radiological or nuclear device, and other explosives. The primary objective of a terrorist is to create widespread fear.
Be Responsible:
• Be aware of your surroundings. Note the location of emergency exits, pay phones, fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
• Report suspicious objects, vehicles or persons to public safety authorities.
If There Is a Terrorist Attack or Threat:
• Stay calm.
• Be vigilant. Look out for secondary hazards such as falling debris, suspicious packages or persons. Report any concerns to public safety authorities.
• Follow the instructions of emergency service personnel.
• Avoid spreading rumors – confirm information with a credible source.
• Contagious Disease
• Contagious Disease Emergencies
• A contagious disease emergency could affect many people. It could cause mild illness, hospitalization, or death in rare cases. In the event of an infectious disease emergency, the San Francisco Department of Public Health will provide up-to-date information and instructions to the public through media and public outreach sources.
• To find out how to prepare yourself and your family for a contagious disease emergency, visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s Communicable Disease Control and Prevention site.
• This site also provides information on what San Francisco is doing to prepare for an avian or pandemic flu emergency, including mass distribution of medications or vaccines.
Transit Safety
Mass transit systems may be vulnerable to both accidents and terrorist incidents. Mass transit customers should be aware and vigilant. Be well informed and know your surroundings.
• Review emergency exit information on the vehicle.
• If you see something, say something! Report all suspicious parcels, bags or containers to the nearest police officer or transit employee. Never touch a suspicious object.
• In the event of an emergency, remain calm and follow the instructions of transit or rescue personnel.
• Only use cell phones if you absolutely must as they could interfere with emergency equipment.
• When riding MUNI, never leave an underground streetcar unless instructed or assisted by transit employees or rescue personnel. High voltage electrical systems that power the cars can be extremely dangerous.
• If you’re instructed to evacuate, take your belongings (but leave your bicycle behind).
• If you are traveling with others, stay together.
• If you are on a BART train, use the intercom at the end of the car to report your concerns to the train operator. Be prepared to give your exact location and the individual number of the BART car you are riding.
Evacuation
Immediate risk:
If you smell gas, smoke or see fire or otherwise fear for your safety, evacuate household occupants immediately. From a safe location, call 9-1-1 and report the incident.
General evacuation orders:
If local officials issue evacuation orders, use the evacuation routes and methods specified; carpool whenever possible. If time allows:
• Wear sturdy shoes, long-sleeve shirts and pants.
• Bring car keys, credit cards, road maps, cell phone, charger and important phone numbers.
• Bring your Go-bag.
• If you have a pet, make sure it is wearing a collar, bring it in a pet carrier labeled with your name and the pet’s name. Bring your pet’s Go-bag.
• Lock your home and shut off the water and electricity, but leave gas on unless instructed otherwise.
• Leave a note or tell a neighbor where you are going.
• Once you arrive at a safe location, call your out-of-area emergency contact.
Disaster Shelters
Immediately following a large disaster, suitable shelter sites will be selected from a predesignated list based on areas of need and estimated numbers of displaced persons. Each site must be inspected for safety prior to being opened to the public. Therefore, it is not possible to say with advance certainty which sites will actually operate as disaster shelters. As soon as disaster sites have been formally designated, this list will be announced through local media to the public. If it is unsafe to shelter-in-place, and you do not have an alternative, evacuate to a designated emergency shelter.
• Tell your out-of area-contact where you are going.
• Take your Go-bag with you to the shelter.
• Initially, emergency shelters may not be able to provide basic supplies and materials. Consider bringing extra items (e.g. blanket, pillow, air mattress, towel, washcloth, diapers, food and supplies for infants.)
• Provide for your pet: only service animals are allowed in “human” shelters. If you cannot make other plans for your pets, Animal Care and Control staff will be available at “human” shelters to help with pet sheltering needs.
Power Outage
Power cuts can occur due to rolling blackouts, extreme weather conditions, or can accompany other disasters such as earthquakes. If there is no power in your neighborhood:
• Turn off and unplug appliances and computers. Leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• Avoid using candles, as they are fire hazards.
• Do not use a gas stove for heating or operate generators indoors (including the garage.) Both could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If a traffic signal is not working, treat it as a stop sign.
• See the Food section to learn about food safety when your refrigerator’s power is off.
Fire
If your smoke alarm goes off or you see a fire:
• Remain calm and get out.
• If you see smoke under the door, find another way out.
• Feel the door with the back of your hand before you open it. If it is hot, find another way out.
• Drop to the floor to avoid smoke and fumes. Crawl to safety.
• If your clothes catch on fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground and ROLL over and over to smother the flames.
• Call 9-1-1 from a safe location. Stay on the line until the operator hangs up.
• If you are trapped in a burning building, stay near a window and close to the floor. If possible, signal for help.
• Do not go back inside the building unless instructed that it is safe to do so.
Sirens
Listen
The City’s Outdoor Warning System is designed to alert residents and visitors of San Francisco about possible danger. Specific emergency announcements can be broadcast over any one of the 65 sirens which are located on poles and on top of buildings throughout all neighborhoods in San Francisco, Treasure Island, and Yerba Buena. They are tested at noon every Tuesday.
During the weekly test, the siren emits a single 15 second alert tone, similar to an emergency vehicle siren. In the event of a disaster, the 15 second alert tone will sound repeatedly for 5 minutes
If you hear the siren at a time other than its regular test on Tuesday at noon:
• Stop what you are doing.
• Stay calm.
• Listen for possible voice announcements.
• Turn on the radio or television, (such as KCBS 740AM, KQED 88.5 FM) for important information provided by the City.•
• Avoid using the telephone. Do not call
9-1-1, unless you have a life-threatening emergency.
Shelter-in-Place
One of the instructions you may be given in an emergency is to shelter-in-place. This means you should stay indoors until authorities tell you it is safe or you are told to evacuate.
• Select a small, interior room, with no or few windows.
• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper.
• Bring your family disaster supply kit and make sure the radio is working.
• Bring your pets.
• It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select (cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency)
• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
• Listen to your radio or television for further instructions or updates.
If you are in your car, close windows and turn off vents and air conditionin
