Are you Alameda Ready? The city just launched an 8-week earthquake preparedness challenge

ALAMEDA, CA — As the Bay Area faces the growing risk of a major earthquake, the City of Alameda is launching an eight-week campaign to help residents prepare for emergencies — starting with the most critical resource of all: water.

“There’s a 72-percent chance of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake hitting the region in the next 30 years,” the city said in a statement. “A quake of that size could severely damage buildings, break gas and water lines, and spark fires.”

The city’s preparedness program, called Get Alameda Ready, kicks off this week with guidance on how residents can store and treat water in the event of a disaster. Those who complete all eight weeks of the program will be entered in a drawing to win a solar-powered, hand-crank emergency radio.

Week 1: Water Storage Tips

City officials recommend storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days — more for families with children, elderly residents, or pets.

Plastic containers are best for storage, officials said, and any self-stored water should be replaced every six months. Used water can be repurposed for tasks like gardening or flushing toilets.

In addition to storing water, residents should know how to treat water in an emergency. Options include boiling for at least one minute, using disinfection tablets, or adding unscented chlorine bleach in small amounts.

Water for Sanitation

Residents are also encouraged to store extra water for sanitation needs, such as flushing toilets if water mains break.

More information about the weekly campaign is available at the City of Alameda’s website.