Chapter 45. Household Emergency Preparedness Checklist

A household emergency preparedness checklist turns general advice into specific action. Residents of Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, San Ramon, Danville, Sunol, and surrounding Tri-Valley and Bay Area communities can use this checklist to prepare for wildfires, earthquakes, power outages, severe weather, extreme heat, hazardous-material incidents, and evacuations.

Print or download this checklist, complete it with everyone in the household, and keep copies with your emergency supplies and important documents. Some items may require help from local agencies, healthcare professionals, veterinarians, insurance representatives, utility providers, schools, or caregivers.

A checked box should mean the item is complete and current—not merely discussed.

Alerts, Evacuation, and Communication

•  Every capable household member can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts.
•  We are registered for the official city or county emergency-alert systems serving our home.
•  We have identified official emergency-information sources for workplaces, schools, childcare facilities, and frequently visited communities.
•  We know our home’s official evacuation zone, if our jurisdiction uses zones.
•  Our evacuation-zone information is written in the household plan.
•  We understand the difference between an evacuation warning, evacuation order, shelter-in-place instruction, and reentry announcement.
•  We have a household communication plan for becoming separated.
•  We have selected primary and alternate meeting locations.
•  We have chosen an out-of-area contact.
•  Everyone knows how to send a brief “I am safe” message.
•  Printed emergency contacts are stored in wallets, backpacks, vehicles, and go-bags.

Go-Bags and Home Emergency Supplies

•  Every household member has access to an appropriate go-bag.
•  Go-bags are stored where they can be reached quickly.
•  Each bag can be carried by its assigned person.
•  Bags include water, portable food, clothing, hygiene items, flashlights, batteries, chargers, first-aid supplies, masks, cash, and individual necessities.
•  Our home emergency supplies include water, food, a manual can opener, lighting, communication equipment, sanitation supplies, and essential household items.
•  Food, water, batteries, and other dated supplies have been inspected.
•  We have considered supplies for both evacuation and sheltering at home.

Medications, Medical Needs, and Documents

•  Prescription information and pharmacy contacts are current.
•  Essential medications can be located quickly.
•  We have planned for medication requiring refrigeration or special storage.
•  Backup batteries or charging options are available for essential medical equipment.
•  Medical conditions, allergies, physicians, and emergency contacts are documented.
•  At least one backup person understands important medical needs.
•  Copies of identification, insurance policies, medical information, property records, and vehicle records are protected and accessible.
•  Secure digital backups can be retrieved if original documents become unavailable.

Consult qualified healthcare professionals or pharmacists before changing medication quantities or storage practices.

Vehicles and Transportation

•  Household vehicles are maintained and kept adequately fueled or charged.
•  Keys are stored where authorized household members can find them.
•  Vehicle emergency kits contain appropriate water, food, lighting, charging equipment, first-aid supplies, and seasonal necessities.
•  We have considered more than one way to leave the neighborhood.
•  We have identified alternate transportation for anyone who does not drive.
•  We understand that officials may direct us away from routes selected in advance.
•  We will never drive around barricades or enter a closed evacuation area.

Children, Older Adults, and Access Needs

•  School and childcare emergency procedures are current.
•  Authorized pickup contacts have been reviewed.
•  Children have age-appropriate contact information in their backpacks.
•  Our plan includes older adults who may need transportation, communication, medication, mobility, or caregiver assistance.
•  People with disabilities have participated in planning their own assistance.
•  Accessible transportation, mobility devices, service animals, communication needs, and backup caregivers have been considered.
•  Essential medical equipment can accompany the individual during an evacuation.
•  Primary and backup helpers have been identified without assuming that one person will always be available.

Pets and Livestock

•  Every pet has current identification and updated microchip information.
•  Carriers, leashes, and harnesses fit and are accessible.
•  Pet supplies include food, water, medication, sanitation items, photographs, and veterinary records.
•  We have identified pet-friendly evacuation destinations.
•  A backup person can evacuate or care for our animals.
•  Livestock plans include transportation, trailers, handlers, loading practice, feed, water, identification, and confirmed sheltering options.

Hazard-Specific Preparation

Wildfire

•  We have reviewed applicable defensible-space and home-hardening guidance.
•  Dead vegetation, leaves, and combustible debris are managed appropriately.
•  Addresses, driveways, hydrants, and emergency-access areas remain visible and unobstructed.
•  We know how to monitor official wildfire, smoke, and evacuation information.
•  We are prepared to leave promptly when an evacuation order is issued.

Earthquake

•  Heavy furniture, water heaters, and other dangerous objects are appropriately secured.
•  Household members know to drop, cover, and hold on.
•  We have sturdy shoes, flashlights, and supplies near sleeping areas.
•  We know how to check for hazards without entering damaged or unsafe spaces.
•  Household members understand that utility shutoffs should be performed only when necessary and safe.

Power Outage

•  Flashlights and batteries are available.
•  Portable power banks are charged.
•  We have a safe plan for refrigerated food and medication.
•  We know how to report an outage to the official utility provider.
•  Carbon-monoxide alarms are functional.
•  Generators, grills, and fuel-burning equipment will never be used inside a home, garage, or other enclosed area.

Insurance and Household Records

•  Insurance policies and contact information are current.
•  We understand relevant deductibles, limits, exclusions, and documentation requirements.
•  We have a current household inventory with photographs or video.
•  Receipts, serial numbers, appraisals, and major purchase records are protected.
•  We know how to contact the insurer through a verified channel after an emergency.
•  We will document damage only when authorities say it is safe.

Review and Completion

Three incomplete items we will address first:

1. Completion date: ______________________________
2. Completion date: ______________________________
3. Completion date: ______________________________

Next six-month review date: ______________________________

Person responsible for scheduling the review: ______________________________

Sanj Talks encourages Tri-Valley households, businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, and public-safety professionals to continue practical emergency-preparedness conversations. Community education can increase awareness, but every household should verify current information through official agencies and create a plan appropriate for its location, members, animals, medical needs, and transportation options.

Helpful Hint
A checklist is useful only when it leads to action. Choose three incomplete items and establish a realistic date for completing them.

Important Safety Reminder
Call 911 for an immediate threat to life, active fire, serious injury, or another urgent emergency. During an incident, follow current evacuation, shelter, road-closure, and reentry instructions issued by authorized public agencies. An advance checklist does not replace official directions.

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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