Hazards

From the Pacific coastline to Mt. Tam, to our urban areas and fresh waterways, the uniquely beautiful and diverse landscape of Marin County leaves us vulnerable to a number disasters. Prepare your people and home base for when one of these hazards impacts you directly.

Remember during an emergency, the Marin County Public Emergency Portal will have current, updated information.

Even if you grew up in California, we don’t get major earthquakes very often and it’s easy to forget how to respond. Here are a few great resources for information.

What to do Before a Quake

It is important to secure items in your home that might injure you during an earthquake. Try securing at least one item every weekend until you get everything done. Start with what you can do for free. You may need to ask others for help. Read more

During a quake

  • Drop, cover and hold on. Drop down and get under a strong table. If you are not near a table, drop against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms. Stay away from windows.
  • Stay put. Whether you’re in a car, bed, or public place, stay put and wait until the shaking stops. If you’re outdoors, steer clear of wires or falling objects. The only time not to stay put? If you’re near the coast in an earthquake, immediately go to high ground, as tsunamis can follow.
  • Stay calm. Keeping your wits about you will ensure that you make safe choices for yourself and those around you.

If you have mobility issues: If you have difficulty getting onto the ground, or cannot get back up again without help, then follow these recommendations:

  • If you are in a recliner or bed: Cover your head and neck with your arms or a pillow until the shaking stops.
  • If you use a cane: Drop, Cover, and Hold On or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
  • If you use a walker or wheelchair: LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow.

Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops. For more information, visit MarinCIL.org.

After a quake

  • Check your surroundings. Check for damage, and for anyone who is injured and in need of attention. If you are in a Neighborhood Response Group, check in with your Block Captain to report your situation.
  • Leave a trail. If you leave home, leave a sign telling friends and family your new location. Digitally savvy? Text your emergency contact or update your social media pages to say you’re okay.
  • Stay tuned. Listen to the radio for important information and instructions. Aftershocks, which often follow large quakes, can cause damage too.

In California, every season is now fire season. In the era of Climate Change and extreme drought, adapting our homes and communities to the ever-expanding threat of wildfire is essential.

  • FireSafeMarin.org provides information on how to prepare yourself and your home, create fire-smart landscaping, educate your children and more.
  • Fire Safe Marin’s YouTube channel provides current wildfire prevention and preparedness information to keep you safe.

Our air quality is ever-changing; impacted by local vehicle emissions and far-away wildfires in different parts of the state. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires can affect health: eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. These changes can happen quickly. Be prepared to protect yourself and your home in the event of an air quality alert.

  • The Bay Area Air Quality Management District works to protect and improve community health through air quality improvement. Visit their site to learn more about what you can do to prepare for poor air quality and make an impact on the air around us.
  • You can get hyper-local, real-time air quality data from fire.airnow.gov 

Tsunamis can affect the coastal and baywater regions of Marin County – causing rapid swings in tidal levels over many hours. It’s important to be familiar with the tsunami inundation map in your area and to have a plan to get to higher ground in the event of an incoming surge.

Coastal flooding occurs mostly in the low lying coastal areas and is worst when low pressure systems, high tides, high surf, severe winds and heavy rain all happen at the same time. In the short term, flooding can risk the immediate safety and security of people, pets, and homes. Long term problems including mold and displacement can have a severe and lasting impact on a community.

How to Prepare :

  • Rake leaves and other yard debris and place in green bin (to keep out of gutters and storm drains)
  • Know your tides to understand more about when the risk is possible.
  • Protect homes and businesses in low-lying flood-prone areas by making sandbags.
  • Mariners / Houseboat occupants should secure vessel for severe wind and seas
  • Sign up to receive AlertMarin emergency calls, text message or email alerts.
  • Discuss with your employer about – where possible — a work from home option during the storm, especially if you live in a low-lying area where roadways flood and can keep you from returning home.
  • Move vehicles to a higher location if possible
  • Make sure your emergency kit is up-to-date: have a flashlight, radio and spare batteries handy if the power goes out.

The State of California has experienced a rise in temperatures over the past several decades. Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death.

Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.

A power outage may:

  • Disrupt communications, water and transportation.
  • Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks and other services.
  • Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
  • Prevent use of medical devices.

Power Outage Tips:

  • Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
  • Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
  • Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
  • Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
  • Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
  • Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you.

Generator Safety

Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.

  • Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
  • Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
  • Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
  • Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
  • Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.