2025 Theme: Preparedness Starts at Home

This year, we’re going back to basics. Being prepared doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—it just starts with a few smart steps at home.

Know Your Risk

Start by figuring out what kinds of emergencies could happen where you live. Wildfires? Earthquakes? Flooding? Knowing what’s possible helps you plan smarter. The City of Gardena’s Hazard Mitigation Plan has a great breakdown of different hazards the steering committee identified.

Make a Family Emergency Plan

Having a plan in place before something happens makes everything easier—less stress, less chaos, and potentially big savings. Ready.gov has a simple 4-step guide and a free fillable form to help you build your plan fast.

Pro tip: Preparing now can save you thousands later. Check out these low-cost tips to get started without breaking the bank.

Build an Emergency Kit

Stock up on the essentials—food, water, meds—so you’re not scrambling if something hits. A well-packed kit can keep you safe and comfortable until help arrives. And don’t forget a go-bag with the must-haves in case you need to leave quickly. Ready.gov’s “Build A Kit” page has a solid checklist.

Get Involved Locally

Emergencies move fast, and first responders might not be nearby. That’s where you come in. Learning basic first aid or CPR could literally save a life. You can take a class through local organizations or join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to get hands-on training in fire safety, search and rescue, and more. Please visit Tri-City CERT for more information if you’re in or around the Gardena, Hawthorne, Lawndale area.

Stay Informed with Alert SouthBay

Emergencies don’t wait—and neither should you. Alert SouthBay keeps you in the loop with real-time updates about local disasters, evacuations, and safety alerts straight to your phone or email.

Signing up is quick, free, and could make all the difference when minutes matter. Whether it’s a wildfire, earthquake, or unexpected power outage, you’ll know what’s happening and what to do.

There are two easy ways to sign up.

1. Head to AlertSouthBay.com

2. Text ‘GardenaAlert’ to 888-777