Long Beach officials are urging residents to prepare now for the possibility of a major emergency or disaster, warning that households should be ready to potentially survive without outside assistance for at least five days.

The push comes as Long Beach recognizes September as National Preparedness Month, with the City’s Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications launching its “All Stand Ready” campaign.

Long Beach Says Prepare for at Least Five Days

One of the City’s biggest recommendations is for every household to have an emergency supply kit containing enough essentials to remain self-sufficient for at least five days.

That includes water, canned or shelf-stable food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries and other necessities.

The City says residents do not need to purchase everything at once. Emergency kits can be built gradually using supplies people already have at home and adding additional items over time.

Have a Plan Before Disaster Strikes

Residents are also being encouraged to create a family emergency plan so everyone knows what to do and where to go if an evacuation becomes necessary.

Plans should account for the individual needs of each household, including children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets.

Long Beach officials are also encouraging neighbors to prepare together and identify people nearby who could require additional assistance during an emergency.

Sign Up for Alert Long Beach

Another part of the City’s preparedness campaign is Alert Long Beach, the emergency notification system used to send information directly to residents.

People who sign up can receive emergency notifications through text messages, phone calls and email when an emergency could affect them, their community or City operations.

The system is intended to provide residents with important information before and during emergencies.

Earthquakes Remain a Major Long Beach Risk

Long Beach faces several potential natural disasters, but the City’s Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications identifies earthquakes as the most probable natural disaster because of the city’s proximity to multiple fault lines.

Tsunamis, flooding and other hazards are also among the emergencies Long Beach prepares for.

The City’s message this September is simple: don’t wait until something happens to start preparing.

Having a plan, knowing how you’ll receive emergency information and keeping enough supplies for at least five days could make a major difference when the next emergency hits.