Published on April 17, 2025
It's Week 3 of the City of Alameda's Preparedness Campaign, where we're providing weekly tips that will help ensure you are Alameda Ready when disaster strikes. Missing Weeks 1 and 2? Catch up here! At the end of the 8-weeks, we'll celebrate your readiness by giving away emergency solar-powered/hand crank radios, so be sure to sign up to be included!
This week, concentrate on finding an appropriate bin for your supplies and a good place to store it. Then fill it with the food you collected last week along with other supplies that you'll likely need in the event of an earthquake or other disaster.
Your Bin -- What & Where
What: Your best container is an air-tight, water-tight, heavy-duty storage bin that you can keep in a protected place. You can also use a large duffle bag, but if you will be storing it outside, you should wrap it in a heavy-duty garbage bag.
Where: The best storage spot is a protected place outside your home. If that’s not possible, find a spot where you can store the supplies indoors so they’re not in your way on a day-to-day to basis (like a closet, cupboard, or shelf).
What's IN your BIN?
Items in your bin should include:
A bulk of the water and food you collected (see Weeks 1 and 2)
Copies of important documents (sneak peek of what's coming next week)
Clothing (be sure to include warm clothes and rain protection)
Shoes (flat and sturdy)
Toiletries
Blankets or sleeping bags
An emergency tent, tarps, duct tape
Tools -- you may need a wrench to turn off gas and water, hammer for prying or hitting, work gloves, goggles and dust masks, and heavy-duty plastic bags (for trash, water protection, or toileting)
First aid and medical supplies (include prescription medications and contact lens supplies)
Pet supplies -- food, leash/harness, carrying cases (for smaller animals), photos (in case they go missing), and vaccination records. Please note: It's very important to have pets microchipped and tagged, as they may run away in the event of an earthquake or other disaster.
Public Works Department