Emergency Preparedness



The Berkeley Hills may experience major natural disasters like wildfires, earthquakes, significant winter storms, or extreme heat events. It is important to prepare our neighborhood to be self-sufficient for a prolonged period of time without emergency services or to be ready for possible evacuations announced on a short notice. The Campus Parnassus Neighborhood group maintains a cache of emergency tools and meets regularly to practice local emergency responses in support of our neighbors. Please join us during our annual neighborhood events to make sure you are aware of our disaster response plans.


To make it easier for you to prepare yourself, your family, your pets, and your home for disaster we summarize below key steps to get ready for emergency events. Please click the headings or icons below for more detailed information.


Most of the links will lead you directly to the latest guidance found on the City of Berkeley safety and emergency web page. Please review your personal response plans on a regular basis to ensure you will receive emergency notifications early enough and that you are prepared to evacuate and secure your property if necessary. In addition, make sure your property is maintained to reduce fire or earthquake hazards.


Recent disasters made clear that we may only have minutes to evacuate in case of a wildfire. Therefore, your first step for emergency preparedness should include signing up for emergency notifications by the city or county emergency services. Click above icon to open the City of Berkeley Emergency Notifications web page.


Make a plan now, so you know how to find and get in touch with your people when something happens and communication tools may be inaccessible. Plan to connect with your neighbors in case you will need help during emergencies.


In a disaster you may have to stay or be ready to leave on short notice. Make sure you have emergency supplies for several days to sustain you without external help.


Wildfires are now more frequent, destructive, and fast-moving than ever. In case of a fire storm you may only have minutes to evacuate and information may change rapidly. Develop a household fire emergency plan and prepare your home for fire scenarios.


Roads will likely be blocked in an emergency. Ensure you are familiar with our neighborhood walking paths which will allow to evacuate as fast as possible.


Earthquakes can't be predicted. That is why it is important to know how to be ready for an earthquake, the actions to take during shaking, and what to do after the shaking stops. After an earthquake members of the Campus Parnassus Neighborhood Group will establish an emergency response center at Campus/Parnassus Road for you to check in and get help.


Every winter, storms in our region cause flooding, knock down trees and branches, and damage power lines. Learn more about storm safety and flood prevention at above's link to the City of Berkeley storm preparedness web page.


When air is unhealthy, the best option is to reduce physical activity and stay indoors with doors and windows closed. Above link will bring you to the AirNow fire and smoke map to help you forecast your protection needs.


Increase your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire by creating defensible space. The City of Berkeley provides several services to support preparing your property. Go to the above link to learn about the City's fire fuel chipper program and fire inspection program.