Emergency Preparedness

The Health Emergency Response Unit (HERU) protects the health and safety of our community by providing coordinated, rapid, and effective response to public health emergencies, disasters, and emerging threats. Through preparedness, collaboration, situational awareness, and operational effectiveness, we support healthcare systems, safeguard vulnerable populations, and promote equitable access to essential health services before, during, and after emergencies.

Be ready. Stay informed. Act quickly. Emergencies here can include wildfires, power outages, floods, earthquakes, hazardous materials releases (including refinery incidents), and disease outbreaks. Knowing what to do before, during, and after an emergency protects you and your family.

• Sign Up for Local Emergency Alerts (CWS)
  Register your phone with the Community Warning System (CWS) for official alerts in Contra Costa County.
• Information for Contra Costa County Residents to Prepare for Emergencies 
  Prepare for emergencies by understanding local hazards, making a plan, and keeping Go Bags and Stay Boxes ready. Sign up for alerts, store key safety info, include pets in your planning, and use trusted resources like Red Cross, CalFire, and local community systems to stay informed.
• Build Your Emergency Kit
  Start with Ready.gov’s checklist and add prescriptions, pet supplies, and key documents.

• Hazardous Materials & Refinery Incidents
  Shelter-in-place advisories and CWS sirens may be used near refineries. Follow official instructions and updates
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 
  Contra Costa County Emergency Medical Services information
• Communicable Disease
  The Communicable Disease Program prevents the spread of contagious diseases in Contra Costa County. Report a disease or breakout.
• Contra Costa County Animal Response Team (CC CART)
  Contra Costa County Animal Response Team (CC CART) is a group of dedicated volunteers who continuously train to set up and staff temporary animal shelters in a time of disaster or emergency. 

• Health-focused tips for staying cool at home/work, high‑risk groups, and when to call 911.
• Listos California — Extreme Heat
  Quick tips, multi‑language materials, and Heat Ready CA links for statewide alerts and cooling guidance.
• AirNow — Fire & Smoke Map (Real‑Time AQI)
  Live AQI and smoke plumes; use to decide when to stay indoors and reduce exposure.
• National Weather Service (NWS) 
  National Weather Service warnings and forecasts for the San Francisco/Monterey area. To access detailed information about your area, click on your location on the map. It will zoom in and give you a detailed warning and forecast information..
• Bay Area Air District 
  Stay informed with reliable, real time Bay Area air quality and health guidance. 

• American Red Cross — Earthquake Guide
  Family‑friendly tips, recovery guidance, and kits.
• USGS — Earthquake Notification Service
  Email alerts for seismic events in your areas of interest.
• Contra Costa OES — How to Prepare for an Earthquake (PDF)
  Step‑by‑step guide: Drop, Cover, Hold On; secure furnishings; ShakeOut demo.

• Contra Costa Health — Wildfire Smoke Safety
  County guidance on staying indoors, filtration (MERV -13+), masks, and protecting sensitive groups.
• CAL FIRE — Current Wildfire Incidents
  Statewide incident map with perimeters, alerts, and Red Flag warnings.
• Contra Costa County Fire — Wildfire Prevention Programs
  Defensible space inspections, weed abatement, Firewise® support, burn permits.
• Contra Costa County — Wildfire Preparedness & Evacuation Guide
  Resident guide with home prep, evacuation tips, animal planning, and PSPS readiness.

• Contra Costa County — Flood Control
  Local flood control district resources and projects.
• Contra Costa County — Flood Preparedness
  Learn your flood risk, evacuation tips, sandbag stations, and flood video training.

• Listos California — Preparedness & Alerts
  State resources, multilingual materials, and alerts guidance.
• CDC — Pandemic Flu Overview & Guidance
  Vaccination strategies, surveillance, NPIs, communication.
• CDPH — COVID‑19 Preparedness & Equity Strategies
  California guidance on readiness, surge, testing, and equity.