Sonoma and Marin counties are all too familiar with natural disasters. Our region is prone to wildfires, earthquakes, flooding and power outages. North Bay residents are strongly encouraged to be prepared for the loss of electrical power, natural gas and water services in the event of a major natural disaster.

Water Infrastructure Damage from Major Earthquake

In the event of a major earthquake, the pipelines that distribute water to more than 600,000 people in Sonoma and Marin counties could be damaged and water service could be disrupted until repairs are made. If water pressure is lost during an earthquake, fire or other catastrophic event, urgent action will be taken to assure water service is restored immediately. Depending on the severity of damage, residents should be prepared with their own water supply for a minimum of 7 days.

Power Outages and Water Conservation

In the event of a power outage, Sonoma County’s water and sewer systems are supported by back-up power. During a loss of power, Sonoma Water is prepared to maintain its normal water deliveries to our wholesale water customers by using auxiliary power. Those customers include the cities of Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Sonoma, Town of Windsor, North Marin Water District, Marin Municipal Water District, Valley of the Moon Water District and several private water utilities.

While these back-up generators are expected to minimize impacts to customers caused by planned power shutoffs, there may be situations when delivery capabilities are reduced. In the event of a power shutdown, customers may be asked to minimize indoor water use, and curtail outdoor water irrigation to help maintain water supply for public health, sanitation and fire protection needs.

You should check with your local water supplier to see if your water system is impacted.

Who to Call if You Experience Loss of Public Water Service

Private Water Companies

If you are served by a privately operated water system, you should have that contact information ready in the event of an emergency.

Well Users

Residents with private wells, private water pumps, and private sewer grinder/booster pumps need to be prepared in the event of a power outage. Know how your water and sewer system operate and have a back-up plan during an outage.

Be Prepared

1. Stay informed

• Disasters happen unexpectedly and unfold fast. Information can save lives.
• Be sure you have a number of ways to get information on what is happening
• For those who may need extra time to evacuate, please leave early to ensure your safety and your caregivers’ safety.
• Sign up for SoCoAlert – Create a managed account to receive urgent notifications about local emergencies by phone and/or text message.

2. Make a plan

• People and pets are your first priority.
• If you will need help to evacuate quickly reach out, in advance, to neighbors, family, or friends and discuss how they can assist you, what you will need, and a back-up plan in case the primary help is not able to assist.
• Remember, first responders will be overloaded in a disaster, help yourself by planning in advance!

For general planning, visit Make a Plan.

3. Build a kit

Your Home Preparedness Kit should include at least a 7 day supply of the following:

• Water – Minimum 1 gallon per person, per day.
• Food – Canned and packaged foods and cooking utensils, including a manual can opener.
• Warmth/Shelter – Items to protect you from the elements such as warm clothing, sturdy shoes, extra socks, blankets, and perhaps even a tent.
• Medical Supplies – First Aid/Medical Kit including pain reliever, and a 7 day supply of any required life-saving medications or supplies.
• Lighting – light sticks and/or a working flashlight with extra batteries and light bulbs (hand-powered flashlights are also available).
• Radio – Hand-cranked or Battery-operated radio (and spare batteries), and a NOAA Weather Radio to receive alerts and warnings.
• Support Supplies – Heavy-duty Plastic Bags for waste and to serve other uses (such as tarps and rain ponchos), Work Gloves, Protective Goggles, and essential hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper.
• Pet Supplies – pet food and pet restraints.
• Documents – Copies of vital documents, such as insurance policies, copies of prescriptions, and personal identification.
• Tools – Wrench to shut off gas, multi-purpose tool.
• Cash

Your Go Bag should contain at least a 3 day supply of the following:

• Water –  (6) 8 oz. boxes or pouches of water per person (5 year shelf life)
• Food – Pre-packaged, shelf stable food
• Warmth/Shelter –Sleeping bag, Emergency Blanket, Body Warmers, Poncho
• Medical Supplies – First Aid/Medical Kit, Pain Reliever, Medical Gloves and a 3 day supply of any required life-saving medications. Include Medical Consent Forms and Medical Information for dependents/minor
• Lighting – Flashlight with spare batteries or crank flashlight
• Radio – AM/FM Emergency Radio with spare batteries
• Support Supplies – Whistle, Work Gloves, Sturdy Shoes, N95 Dust Masks, Wet Wipes, Pocket Tissue Package, 30 Gallon Plastic Bag, 10 Gallon Plastic Bags, Spare eyeglasses and personal hygiene supplies
• Packaging – One Bag, Backpack, or Bucket with Handle to store the above
• Documents – List of emergency contact phone numbers including an out of state contact
• Comfort items – Such as games, crayons, writing materials, and stuffed animals for children.
• Cash

See Build a Kit for more information on how to build your home or go bag emergency preparedness kits.

For More Information

For more emergency preparedness resources, please visit the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management Website