General Preparedness

  1. Personal
  2. Pet

Are You Prepared?

Emergencies can happen anytime. In Los Gatos, wildfire, earthquakes, floods, and extended power shutoffs are our biggest risks. Preparing today helps protect you, your family, and your community.

Three Steps to Get Ready:

  1. Stay Informed 2) Pack a Kit 3) Have a Plan

Step 1: Stay Informed

  • Sign up for AlertSCC — Santa Clara County’s official emergency alert and warning system (text/voice/email).
    Register for AlertSCC

  • Follow Town updates on our Website and NotifyMe, and on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, and Nextdoor.

  • During long outages, plan alternate ways to get information (e.g., car radio) if internet/cell service is limited.

Step 2: Pack a Kit

Build a “Go Bag” for each household member (including pets) and keep bags easy to grab. Consider a spare bag in your car.

Basic Go Bag Items

  • Food and water (3+ days)

  • Medications (1–2 weeks) and a basic first aid kit

  • Flashlight and spare batteries; phone charger/power bank

  • Change of clothes, sturdy shoes, light blanket

  • Copies of important documents (paper or secure cloud/USB)

  • Comfort items (for kids and adults)

Use the official Ready.gov checklists:

Step 3: Have a Plan

  • Meeting Places: One near home and another outside your neighborhood.

  • Escape Routes: Practice multiple routes from your home and area.

  • Family Communication Plan: Choose an out-of-area contact; keep copies of the plan in backpacks, cars, and wallets.

  • Pet & Large Animal Plan: Include transport, boarding options, and supplies.

  • Night Readiness: Keep sturdy shoes and a small flashlight within reach of your bed.

Ready.gov planning tools:

Planning for Recovery

A home inventory speeds insurance claims and rebuilding:

  1. Video/photograph each room, closets, and garage.

  2. Narrate purchase details and approximate costs.

  3. Save receipts for major items.

  4. Store copies off-site, in secure cloud storage, or a fire-resistant safe.

Local Classes & Training

Santa Clara County Fire Department offers free online and in-person classes (Disaster Preparedness/PEP, Home Safety, Fire Prevention, CPR/AED, Wildfire Preparedness). Check current offerings and Los Gatos/Monte Sereno CERT training:

Additional Resources