Emergency Preparedness

Staying Informed

Sign Up for Alerts

The County of Sonoma strongly recommends subscribing to the following alert and warning systems:

  • SoCoAlert – Upon signing up for SoCoAlert, select to receive alerts through landline calls, cell phone text messages or pre-recorded verbal messages and email. The system also works with telephone devices for the deaf. Learn more: Click on > SoCoAlert »

  • Nixle – Receive email and text messages from local fire and law enforcement agencies that include public safety messages as well as emergency information.
    Text your zip code to 888777 to opt-in or sign up online to receive email, text or voice messages with alerts and advisories.

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio – This alert system is available for purchase at a relatively low cost. When properly programmed, the National Weather Service can remotely turn on these radios and send basic alerts, including for wildfire. The message may be accompanied by a warning tone, depending on the model of radio you purchase.

Sonoma County residents may tune their NOAA radio to frequency 162.475.

If you are deaf or have hearing loss these radios have add-on equipment such as strobe lights and bed shakers. Click here for an instructional video regarding how to set up this weather radio.


  • Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) – This federal system works exclusively by sending a text message to your cell phone, much like an Amber Alert. A WEA message is accompanied by a special warning tone. To activate this alert, make sure you cell phone settings are set up to accept these emergency and public safety alerts. Click Here> to Learn more about WEA

  • Emergency Alert System (EAS) – The system sends messages to local radio and television stations who may broadcast it. An EAS message is typically accompanied by a special warning tone. Find out what local stations are part of the EAS so you know where to go for the latest information.

  • Hi-Lo Sirens are modifications to existing law enforcement patrol cars. When activated, this distinctive two-tone siren acts as a warning notice by an officer attempting to alert you of danger. To learn more, click > Evacuation Preparation Video »


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Make a Plan

Planning in Advance

  1. People and pets are your first priority.

  2. If you will need help to evacuate quickly reach out, in advance, to neighbors, family, or friends and discuss how they can assist you, what you will need, and a back-up plan in case the primary help is not able to assist.

  3. Be sure to have extra supply of life-saving medications on hand, as well as copies of prescriptions.

  4. Remember, first responders will be overloaded in a disaster, help yourself by planning in advance!

  5. Complete a Personal Emergency Plan


Be Ready

Be Ready: Evacuation Timeline

  • When you are asked to evacuate due to a danger you may have little time to grab your Go Bag and get safe. Sometimes you do have a bit more time. Here is a list to help you get started planning what you may want to take if you have an hour or more before you need to go.

  • This checklist should be customized to your family – be sure to have a family discussion about what would be your first priorities, if you had some extra time.

  • The list includes some suggestions if you have enough time to prepare some things around the house to assist firefighters and help your home stay safe.

Click here to > See Evacuation Timeline including printable PDFs


Packing Preparations

  1. People and Pets – Have a plan.

    • Do you know at least two ways out of your community?

    • Where will you meet family after evacuation?

    • Where will you stay and how will you contact each other?

    • Where will your pets stay?

  2. Papers, phone numbers & other important documents.

    • Deeds, birth certificates and other irreplaceable documents should be in one location so these can be grabbed at a moment’s notice.

  3. Prescriptions, eyeglasses, and vitamins.

    • You may be gone from your home for days, so be sure you have access to all your health related items.

  4. Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia

    • These are priceless and could be lost forever.

  5. Personal computers or any information stored on hard drives and disks.

  6. Plastic ( credit cards, ATM cards) and cash.


Resources