Public Health Emergency Preparedness

The Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program aims to promote disaster preparedness and response by planning with the entire Pasadena community.  By understanding the needs of everyone in the City, we continually prepare to reduce the health impacts that may be created as a result of an emergency.  We work closely with the Pasadena Fire and Police Departments, Huntington Memorial Hospital, the Pasadena Unified School District, and other agencies to increase safety for all residents by conducting drills, exercises, trainings, and outreaches.

Prepare Yourself and Your Family

The following steps can help you be better prepared in the event of an emergency.

1. Be informed - Know what to do before, during, and after an emergency.  In Pasadena, various events can take place including a natural disaster (flooding and earthquake), a pandemic flu, and an accidental or intentional emergency (such as a chemical spill or act of terrorism).  Since each hazard is unique, your responses and actions to take will also differ.  Use the informational resources listed below to learn how to protect yourself and your family and be better prepared.
2. Make a plan - After understanding the hazards, plan how to communicate with loved ones, and where to stay or where to evacuate.  Determine how to contact family members, choose a location to safely reunite, and identify an out-of-town contact person.  Also ask about emergency plans outside of the home, such as at worksites and schools, and develop a network with community leaders and neighbors to discuss how you can plan together.
3. Build a kit - Gather items you may need to help be sufficient for at least 72 hours.  This kit should include food, water, and other basic household items.  Here are some recommended items for your emergency supply kit:

• Water (one gallon of water per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Batteries
• Dust mask
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Items to care for your infant and pet
• Local maps
• Medication
• Tool kit (including wrench or pliers to turn off utilities)
• Personal sanitation items (such as moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties)
• Whistle

Preparedness Resources

Please utilize the following resources to help prepare your family and community for a disaster:

• City of Pasadena Disaster Preparedness 
• American Red Cross - San Gabriel Pomona Valley Chapter 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Emergency Preparedness and Response 
• Ready.gov 
• ShakeOut - Earthquake Preparedness