Emergency Preparedness Tips

Stay Informed

Get Alerted during an emergency! 

Sign Up for Alert South Bay

Alert South Bay is an opt-in emergency and evacuation alert system using  the Everbridge software application. It sends notifications via email, text message, cellular and landline phones. Users can subscribe to receive alerts from Rancho Palos Verdes and 11 other South Bay Cities. Register by: Texting “alertsb” to 888-777, visiting alertsouthbay.com, or downloading the free Everbridge app on Google Play or App Store.

Download the MyRPV App 

Download the “MyRPV” App on Google Play or the App Store to receive emergency and safety related push alerts for the City of RPV directly from RPV City Staff.

Find Emergency Information

PVP Ready

During an emergency where you will need to take action to stay safe, such as evacuation or shelter in place, the City will provide notifications and alerts referencing areas impacted based on their zones. To see what zone you are in and the current status of your zone, visit  PVPReady.gov, click “Find Your Zone,” and enter an address in the search bar in the upper left corner of the zone map. 

Dial 211 for Disaster Preparedness & Response Information

211 partners directly with the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Services to be the primary provider of disaster preparedness and response information services to the community before, during and after disasters. In times of local or national distress, 211 LA County responds by providing timely and accurate information for any member of the community to learn valuable and life-saving information. Learn more about 211.

Disaster Specific Information

Earthquake Early Warning: My Shake App

MyShake provide early warning earthquake alerts in California, Oregon, and Washington. MyShake uses the USGS ShakeAlert system to deliver alerts for earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 (or greater) several seconds before shaking arrives. Through the app, you can also report shaking and get additional information about recent earthquakes.

Regional Fire Information: Watch Duty App

Watch Duty is an app that provides notifications and information about wildfires in the area. It is free to use and overlays the same Genasys Protect map shown on the PVP ready website.

Have a Plan

Imagine different emergency scenarios and answer the following questions. Consider back ups to each answer. Write your answers down and make sure everyone in your household knows the plan. Practice your plan at least twice a year, at different times of the day and from different starting locations. Have everyone in the household participate in the drills, including animals and children.

  • How will you communicate with loved ones in an emergency?
  • Where will you meet if you are separated from loved ones?
  • Who may you need to communicate with during an emergency? Have a written list of numbers/addresses in the event cell service is unavailable.
  • Where will you go if you must evacuate? How will you get there?
  • What supplies will you need if you must evacuate or shelter in place?
  • What special considerations or needs does your family have (ex. Additional medical considerations, pets, large animals, etc.)

Get Supplies Ready

Next to your bed

  • Sturdy shoes
  • A flashlight or light stick
  • A whistle and/or help sign with tape
  • Protective clothing such as a helmet and N95 mask

In your car

  • Jumper cable
  • Tow rope
  • Map
  • Tire and Jack
  • Phone chargers
  • Flashlight with batteries or light sticks
  • A fully charged phone (doesn’t need to be activated just usable to call 911)
  • At least half a tank of gas

Evacuation supplies 

Put supplies in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins, duffel bags, or backpacks. Consider what you will need if you must evacuate and can’t return home

  • 3-day supply of non-perishable food, water, and medicine/medical supplies
  • First aid kit
  • Extra clothes
  • Protective gear (ex. mask, gloves)
  • Flashlight with batteries or light sticks
  • Important devices with portable chargers
  • Hygiene items (ex. hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, feminine supplies)
  • Important documents (insurance policies, identification, bank account records, etc.) saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Cash (ATMs may not work if the power is out)
  • Local maps
  • Non electronic entertainment (books, games, puzzles)
  • Comfort items and extra supplies for animals and children (ex. Diapers for babies, carriers for pets, favorite toys)

Household emergency supplies

Your household emergency supplies are similar to those in your evacuation kit, however this time you are preparing for what you will need if you must shelter at home during an emergency

  • Water for drinking and sanitation (one gallon per person per day for 2 weeks – don’t forget to count your animals!)
  • Food (2-week supply of non-perishable food)
  • Prescription medications and extra medical supplies (ex. Glasses, walker)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Portable chargers 
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place during a hazardous material event
  • Hygiene items
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Important documents 
  • Non electronic entertainment 
  • Fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire alarms on every level of the home
  • A generator (ensure you speak to an electrician and follow the generator’s instructions before installation and use to avoid fires and carbon monoxide poisoning) 

Get Involved

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross (ARC) provides support in all levels of emergency, from house fires to major disasters. ARC provides many services  during emergencies, such as  sheltering, feeding, supplies, financial assistance and health care. ARC can do this great work through the help of volunteers who are trained pre-disaster to support during emergencies. Contact ARC to get trained and support your community during an emergency. ARC also provides First Aid and CPR training for a fee. To learn more, visit: https://www.redcross.org/

PVP CERT

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Community Emergency Response Team (PVP CERT) works to prepare residents on how to survive a disaster, assist families and neighbors during disasters, and support first responders during emergencies. Learn more at: http://www.pvpcert.org/


Additional Resources

  • Contact the Emergency Preparedness Committee:
    • Email: epc@rpvca.gov
    • Phone: 310-544-5209
    • Address: 30940 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275