Local resources

During shaking: Drop. Cover. Hold on.

1. If inside, stay inside and protect your head and neck. Hold your cover until shaking stops.
2. Expect aftershocks. Keep clear of damaged buildings and fallen utility lines.
3. Check local instructions before travelling. Listed hospitals and shelters may have limited access.

At the coast: move inland or to higher ground.

1. Strong or long shaking, unusual ocean movement or a loud ocean roar can be natural warnings.
2. After shaking stops, follow posted evacuation signs inland or uphill. Do not wait for an official warning after natural signs.
3. Keep away from the shore until officials say to return; later waves can be larger.

Avoid floodwater. Follow local evacuation instructions.

1. Know local alerts and arrange a destination before flooding.
2. Avoid floodwater and road barriers. Follow official evacuation instructions.
3. Wait for clearance; avoid damaged roads, utilities and contaminated water.

Be ready to leave early. Follow evacuation orders.

1. Keep a go bag, medicines, transport plan and supplies for pets ready. Sign up for local alerts.
2. Follow local evacuation instructions promptly. Use the route officials give, not a route inferred from this map.
3. Wait for clearance before returning. A building outline says nothing about fire damage or safe entry.

Find effective cooling and check on others.

1. Check the forecast and arrange access to air conditioning. Ask 211 or your local health department for current cooling locations.
2. Move strenuous activity to cooler hours, take breaks and drink water. Never leave people or pets in a hot parked vehicle.
3. Check on people who live alone or have health needs. Seek medical help for serious symptoms.

Get warm, stay dry and limit exposure.

1. Arrange a heated place and check the local forecast. Ask local agencies about currently open warming spaces.
2. Wear dry layers and cover exposed skin. Change wet clothing when indoors.
3. Watch for cold-related illness and seek help. Keep checking weather and transport conditions.

Take shelter away from windows and falling debris.

1. Secure loose items before strong winds arrive and check NWS warnings.
2. Move into a sturdy building and an interior room. Keep away from windows, trees and fallen power lines.
3. Avoid debris and utility damage. Check official road and weather updates before travel.

Plan ahead for coastal flooding and changing shorelines.

1. Check local coastal flood and evacuation information.
2. Follow local instructions; avoid flooded coastal roads and waterways.
3. Discuss repeated flooding with your local planning or floodplain office.

Watch for slope movement and follow local warnings.

1. Know local slope and burn-area warnings. Look out for new ground cracks, unusual stream changes or rumbling.
2. If your building is being hit, move to its highest floor or a countertop. Otherwise leave the area only if safe.
3. Tell local authorities about movement or utility damage and keep away from the slide area.

Know the local warning and evacuation plan.

1. Know local downstream flood alerts and evacuation arrangements.
2. Follow evacuation instructions immediately; avoid dams and flooded channels.
3. Wait for clearance; avoid floodwater and damaged roads.

Be prepared for flooding even behind a levee.

1. Know local flood warnings and evacuation arrangements.
2. Follow instructions promptly; avoid levees, breaches and floodwater.
3. Wait for clearance; avoid flooded roads and damaged utilities.

Check the local avalanche forecast before entering terrain.

1. Get avalanche education and check the forecast for the exact area you will visit.
2. Match terrain to conditions and group skills. Do not treat a city map or an unshaded slope as a safe route.
3. Carry a transceiver, probe and shovel, and practice rescue with trained partners.

Understand local ground movement and protect essential services.

1. Review DWR’s subsidence information and local groundwater or land-use advice.
2. Report new ground or utility damage to the relevant local authority or provider.
3. Arrange water and utility continuity where local agencies identify impacts. Obtain qualified advice for structural concerns.

Be ready to shelter or evacuate as local officials advise.

1. Keep medicines, emergency supplies, eye protection and appropriate respiratory protection ready.
2. Use USGS and local emergency information. Follow instructions to evacuate or shelter from ash.
3. Wait for return instructions. Follow official ash-cleanup advice and protect yourself from ash exposure.