Topic 1: Prepare for Emergencies

Adapting to our changing climate requires us to become more resilient to disasters like floods, fires, and heat waves. Use this as an opportunity to prepare your home and your neighborhood for all kinds of emergencies by taking action together.
“Being prepared for emergencies, before they happen, means getting to know your neighbors. Cool Petaluma provides each neighborhood with trained, skilled leaders.” - Petaluma City Council Member Karen Nau
- The U.S. Geological Survey determined that, by 2043, there’s a 72 percent chance of an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 or higher occurring on either of the fault lines surrounding Petaluma.
- Among weather-related hazards, extreme heat generally results in the highest death rate. More suggestions for weatherizing your home will be covered in the “Improve Buildings” topic later in our program.
- California’s summertime burned area has increased fivefold since 1971. And it won’t stop there — it could grow by another 50 percent by the year 2050.
- Teams can use the Gathering Guides to plan, run, and report back on their meetings.
- Use the Get Engaged section to take stock of where you are now and find inspiring content that will motivate you and your team to move forward.
- This TOPIC, Prepare for Emergencies, is accomplished by three main GOALS, each of which have a few key ACTIONS listed. Inside each GOAL are the resources you need to take these ACTIONS.
- Use the Action Plan Worksheet at the bottom to understand the full picture. Mark off what you have done and add a goal date next to what you would like to do.