Chapter 12. Preparing Your Vehicle for an Emergency
A reliable vehicle can be an important part of a household emergency and evacuation plan. During a wildfire, severe storm, flood, earthquake, hazardous-material incident, extended power outage, or another emergency, residents may need to leave home with little notice. A vehicle may be needed to transport children, older adults, pets, go-bags, medications, mobility equipment, or other essential supplies.
Residents of Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, San Ramon, Danville, Sunol, and surrounding Tri-Valley communities should prepare their vehicles before elevated fire weather, major storms, or other foreseeable hazards. Vehicle preparation does not guarantee that roads will remain open or safe, but it can reduce avoidable delays when authorities direct residents to evacuate.
Maintain Adequate Fuel or Battery Charge
Avoid allowing a gasoline vehicle’s fuel tank or an electric vehicle’s battery to become unnecessarily low, particularly during periods of elevated wildfire or storm risk. An emergency evacuation may require a longer trip than an ordinary commute because of traffic congestion, road closures, detours, changing shelter locations, or the need to collect a family member.
Fuel stations may be closed or unable to operate during a power outage. Working stations may have long lines, and electric-vehicle charging locations may be unavailable, occupied, damaged, or outside the safe evacuation area.
Each household should establish a practical minimum fuel or battery level based on its vehicle, usual travel, household needs, and local conditions. Drivers of electric vehicles should know the locations of several charging options in different directions—not only the station they normally use.
Never delay an evacuation order to refuel or recharge. Leave promptly with the energy available and follow current official instructions.
Keep Essential Charging Equipment Ready
A vehicle can provide limited backup charging for mobile phones and other small devices. Keep compatible telephone cables and a vehicle charging adapter in the car. A charged portable power bank should also be included in the household go-bag.
Electric-vehicle owners should keep appropriate portable charging equipment accessible when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Do not pack charging cables beneath luggage or other equipment that would make them difficult to reach.
Remember that a vehicle should never be left running inside a garage or another enclosed space. Carbon monoxide from a gasoline-powered vehicle can cause serious illness or death. Move the vehicle outdoors before operating it, and follow all manufacturer and public-safety instructions.
Carry Maps and Written Information
Navigation applications can provide useful directions, but they should not be the household’s only source of route information. Cellular service, electricity, or internet access may be interrupted. A navigation application may also direct drivers toward a closed, congested, restricted, or hazardous road.
Keep a current local and regional paper map in the vehicle. Marking several possible routes in advance can help household members understand the surrounding road network. However, a paper map cannot show live fire conditions, floodwater, fallen trees, damaged bridges, law-enforcement activity, or emergency road closures.
Also keep a printed information sheet containing:
- Household emergency contacts
- The out-of-area contact
- Important medical information
- Home and workplace evacuation zones
- Insurance and roadside-assistance numbers
- Potential destinations in different directions
- Information about children, pets, or household members requiring assistance
During an actual evacuation, follow directions from firefighters, law-enforcement officers, traffic-control personnel, and authorized emergency agencies—even when those directions differ from a map or navigation application.
Store Basic Emergency Supplies
A small vehicle emergency kit can support occupants during delays or unexpected travel. Consider including:
- Drinking water
- Nonperishable snacks
- A flashlight or headlamp
- Replacement batteries
- Charging cables and a power bank
- A basic first-aid kit
- Work gloves
- Well-fitting masks
- A reflective vest
- A compact blanket or warm layer
- A rain covering
- Sturdy shoes
- Basic hygiene supplies
- A small amount of cash
- A window-breaking and seat-belt-cutting emergency tool
Families may also need diapers, child supplies, pet leashes, carriers, waste bags, mobility equipment, or other household-specific items.
Avoid leaving medications, food, water, batteries, electronics, or pressurized containers in a hot vehicle when heat could damage them or make them unsafe. Inspect vehicle supplies regularly and replace expired, leaking, damaged, or heat-exposed items.
Do not store so many emergency supplies that there is no room for passengers, go-bags, pets, medical equipment, or mobility devices.
Keep the Vehicle Maintained
Routine vehicle maintenance becomes especially important when the vehicle may be needed for an emergency evacuation. Follow the manufacturer’s service recommendations and address warning lights or mechanical problems promptly.
Check the vehicle’s:
- Tires and tire pressure
- Brakes
- Battery
- Headlights, brake lights, and hazard lights
- Windshield wipers and washer fluid
- Fluids
- Spare tire or tire-repair equipment
- Mirrors and windows
- Emergency roadside equipment
Keep the registration, insurance information, owner’s manual, and roadside-assistance details accessible. Households with child safety seats should confirm that they are correctly installed and appropriate for each child.
If a household uses an electric vehicle, learn how power outages, extreme heat, traffic, and climate controls may affect driving range. If a household depends on an accessible van, wheelchair lift, or other specialized transportation, include that equipment in regular maintenance and emergency planning.
Position the Vehicle for Departure
When elevated fire or storm risk is forecast, park in a location that supports a prompt departure when practical. Avoid blocking the vehicle with stored items or parking another household vehicle in front of it without ensuring that keys are immediately available.
Keep vehicle keys in a consistent, accessible place known to adult household members. Do not leave them where children or unauthorized individuals can reach them. If vehicles are parked behind gates, confirm that household members know how to open the gates during an electrical outage.
Load only when conditions permit. During an evacuation order, do not spend valuable time packing nonessential belongings or arranging the vehicle perfectly.
Create a Backup Transportation Plan
Not every household owns a vehicle, and some residents may be unable to drive because of age, disability, medical needs, financial circumstances, or temporary vehicle problems. Others may be separated from their vehicle when an emergency begins.
Households without reliable personal transportation should identify at least two possible sources of assistance before an emergency. These might include trusted relatives, friends, neighbors, caregivers, accessible transportation providers, or services identified by local emergency-management agencies.
Discuss the arrangement in advance. Explain whether transportation may be needed for children, pets, a wheelchair, oxygen equipment, or other essential items. Do not assume that a rideshare, taxi, bus, or informal volunteer will be available during a large evacuation.
If an evacuation warning is issued and transportation may take additional time, begin making arrangements promptly. If an order is issued and no safe transportation is available, contact the appropriate emergency authority and clearly explain your location and needs. Call 911 when there is an immediate threat to life or safety.
Helpful Hint
During elevated fire or storm risk, avoid allowing your fuel or battery level to become unnecessarily low. Fuel stations and charging locations may be unavailable, and an evacuation route may be longer than expected.
Important Safety Reminder
A prepared vehicle supports an evacuation, but it does not make a closed or dangerous road safe. Never drive around barricades, enter an evacuated area, or delay departure to refuel, recharge, or collect additional belongings. Follow current instructions from authorized public-safety officials.
Important Preparedness and Safety Notice
This chapter provides general preparedness education, not real-time emergency instructions. Conditions, evacuation zones, routes, shelters, road closures, and public-safety directions can change rapidly. During an emergency, consult current information from authorized public agencies and follow all instructions issued by emergency officials. Call 911 for an immediate threat to life, active fire, serious injury, crime in progress, or another urgent emergency.
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