Emergency Preparedness:

Disasters can happen with little or no warning — from earthquakes and wildfires to power outages and floods. Being prepared means having the tools, plans, and information you need to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. A few simple steps today can make a big difference when it matters most.

Build an Emergency Kit

Your emergency kit should have everything you need to survive for at least 72 hours. Store it in a sturdy, easy-to-carry bag or container and keep it in an accessible location.

Recommended Supplies:

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable food for several days
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
• Personal hygiene items
• Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, birth certificates)
• Phone charger/power bank
• Cash
• Extra clothes and blankets
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener
• Moist towelettes
• Garbage bags

Tip: Don't forget supplies for pets, infants, and anyone with special needs.

Pets & Family

Your pets are important members of your family, so they need to be included in your emergency plan.  Don’t wait until the last moment to gather essentials for yourself, your family and your pets.

Have your pet microchipped and keep your personal information, including your phone number and address on your pet with a tag. You should also coordinate with family, neighbors and friends to take care of your pet if you are unable to do so.

Your pets should also have their own emergency kits, including water, food and medications. Don’t forget about crates, leashes and sanitation needs. To reduce stress for your pet, pack some favorite treats, toys and bedding.

For more helpful ideas for your emergency kit, visit www.ready.gov/kit

Make a Family Emergency Plan

Disasters can strike without warning. Having a plan ensures everyone knows what to do and where to go.

What to Include:

• Meeting locations: One near your home, one outside your neighborhood
• Emergency contacts: Phone numbers for family and an out-of-area contact
• Evacuation routes: Know how to leave your home and community safely
• Communication plan: Decide how you’ll stay in touch if phones are down
• Plan for pets: Arrange care or shelter ahead of time

Tip: Practice your plan regularly with the whole family, including children.

Stay Informed

Sign up for emergency alerts and warnings from local agencies. Keep a battery-powered radio on hand for updates during outages.

Ways to stay updated:

• Local emergency alert systems (like text alerts)
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Social media channels from trusted agencies
• Natural Disaster Resources

Official State of Emergency Declared for Coachella - Hurricane Hilary

Copy of Proclamation  

Who to Contact

• For Life Threatening Emergencies, dial 911
• If you have an after-hours water emergency, please call 760-578-7098 
• If you have an after-hours sewage emergency, please call 760-625-6781
• If you have an electrical outage, please call IID at 800-303-7756
• For Flooding and Traffic Signal Concerns, please call 760-501-8100
• To report fallen trees, please call 442-400-2782

Weather Resources

• National Hurricane Center - Click Here
• California Weather Alerts - Click Here
• National Weather Forecast (Coachella) - Click Here 
• Air Quality Index: Click here to access - AirNow.gov

Public Safety

Police Department - 760-863-8990

Fire Department - 760-398-8895

Storm Safety Checklist 

Concerned about potential flood damage to your home? Here are a few things you can do ahead of time to minimize water damage impacts:

• Move furniture, rugs, electronics, and other valuable belongings off the ground
• Elevate major appliances onto concrete blocks
• Clean gutters, downspouts, and splash pads, along with any nearby drainage ditches or storm drains 
• Stack sandbags by doors or other low points where water could enter your home. CLICK HERE to access a 'how to' video on how to properly sandbag for flood protection.
• Shut off electricity at the breaker panel if water rises near outlets

To learn more, visit www.fema.gov/protect-your-property