How to be Prepared for an Emergency in San Francisco

In cities as fast-moving and unpredictable as San Francisco, knowing what to do in an emergency isn’t just a nice-to-have intention—it’s a real-world skill that can make all the difference in a moment’s flash. Living in California, and especially in the Bay Area, means being ready for whatever disasters nature might bring. Quick thinking and knowing what to do and how to do it in an emergency is being well prepared—and that’s the key.

The San Francisco Bay Area is well-known for its natural disasters: earthquakes, wildfires, and severe storms that often cause flooding. Becoming familiar with these risks is essential to being prepared. 

San Francisco offers a variety of classes to learn emergency skills. Each program focuses on preparedness, disaster response, and lifesaving techniques. The City offers free and low cost training to get life-saving skills and help build the confidence needed to feel in charge of your readiness and ability in emergency situations.

Being equipped to help out in emergencies you encounter can go well beyond being a good neighbor—you could save lives.

Take courses in First Aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and BLS (Basic Life Support) the crucial skill set designed to support life in emergencies.

Certification is always great to have:

You can go a step further and get American Heart Association CPR and BLS certifications, right here at home in the Bay Area. Get training in San Francisco at the AHA authorized training center, 350 Townsend Street, Suite 426. Visit the website for full details.

The American Red Cross offers virtually endless training in not only the essential aid programs like First Aid, CPR, and BLS, but also everyday, practical, good-to-know skills such as Lifeguarding, Swimming+Water Safety, Babysitting & Child Care, Workplace Safety, plus First Responders (Police, Fire, EMS) Training. Yes to them all! 

Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT)

With its neighbor-helping-neighbor approach to preparedness training, the San Francisco Fire Department created NERT, a program that provides free training for individuals and community groups, covering personal preparedness and disaster skills. Participants learn how to respond to emergencies effectively. This training is essentially a lifeline between your family, neighbors, and the City’s emergency responders.

Be aware. Join local community preparedness programs for resources to get and stay ready to help when any crisis hits.

Go to SF.gov for a ton of information and links to everything you need to know and connect with to be ready for emergencies in San Francisco, including a connection to  ReadySF.

Ready-Set-Go! Be Prepared!