Ready Together. Prepare Where You Live.

September is National Preparedness Month, a nationwide effort to encourage individuals, families and communities to take steps now to prepare for emergencies and disasters.

San Bernardino County is the largest county by area in the contiguous United States, with communities stretching across valleys, mountains and deserts. With that diverse landscape comes different risks. Wildfires and winter storms can impact mountain communities, extreme heat and flash flooding can affect the desert, and earthquakes, heat and wildfire smoke can create challenges throughout the valleys.

This September, the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services is encouraging residents to get Ready Together and Prepare Where You Live.

Throughout the month, we’ll share preparedness tips tailored to the places our residents call home, with practical steps you can take before an emergency happens. Whether you live in the desert, mountains or valley, preparedness starts with understanding the risks around you, making a plan, building an emergency kit and knowing how to stay informed.

Wherever you live, preparing today can help you, your household and your community be ready for tomorrow.

Illustration of a mountain landscape with layered peaks, rolling hills and pine trees in muted green and gray tones. Text in the upper left reads “Mountains.”

Living in San Bernardino County’s mountain communities means preparing for conditions that can change quickly. Wildfires, winter storms, power outages and road closures can affect evacuation routes, travel and access to essential services.

Plan ahead by learning multiple ways in and out of your community, making a household emergency plan and keeping your vehicle fueled and ready. Have enough food, water, medications and other essentials to help your household stay self-sufficient for several days.

Illustration of a desert landscape with a Joshua tree, layered hills and rock formations in warm, muted earth tones. Text at the top reads “Deserts.”

San Bernardino County’s desert communities can experience extreme conditions, from dangerous heat and high winds to flash flooding and power outages. Long distances and changing road conditions can also make travel more challenging during an emergency.

Stay prepared by keeping extra water and emergency supplies on hand and checking weather and road conditions before heading out. Never drive through flooded roadways, and stock your vehicle with essentials in case you become stranded or delayed.

Illustration of a valley community with homes, a city skyline, palm trees and layered hills in muted earth tones. Text at the top reads “Valleys.”

San Bernardino County’s valley communities can experience hazards that affect daily life with little warning. Earthquakes can strike suddenly, extreme heat can strain people and infrastructure, and wildfire smoke can impact air quality even when a fire is miles away.

Be ready by securing heavy furniture and objects that could fall, and keeping enough food, water and essential supplies for several days. Know where you can stay cool during extreme heat and how you’ll protect yourself and your household when air quality is poor.

Learn More and Prepare Today

STAY INFORMED 

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