Photo Credit: City of San Ramon
(SAN RAMON, Calif.) — The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District is offering free Personal Emergency Preparedness (PEP) classes throughout 2026 to help residents and families prepare for major emergencies, including earthquakes.
The three-hour classes are offered through the San Ramon Valley Emergency Preparedness Citizen Corps Council (SRVEPCCC) and are designed to give participants the knowledge, supplies and skills needed to be self-sufficient for "7+ days in a disaster."
SRVEPCCC also offers more advanced emergency training, including Community Emergency Response Training, ham radio operation, animal rescue, and search and rescue.
The PEP educational program focuses on practical steps residents can take before an emergency occurs, including creating a home emergency plan and assembling an emergency preparedness kit.
Classes cover several key areas of emergency preparedness, including how to respond before, during and after a major disaster, reduce potential hazards, manage household utilities, prepare essential supplies for individuals and families, shelter in place, and remain calm during an emergency.
The program emphasizes that while residents cannot prevent earthquakes, they can take steps to prepare themselves and their families. The Fire Protection District stated, “We live in earthquake country. There is nothing we can do to stop an earthquake - but we can get prepared!”
Participants also learn how to respond during a disaster and manage stress by developing preparedness habits before an emergency occurs. The training is intended to help residents and their families remain capable of responding when professional assistance may not be immediately available.
The program recognizes that disaster preparedness involves more than simply gathering supplies. Residents are encouraged to think about how they would respond if an emergency disrupted normal routines and access to outside assistance. The PEP program noted that "families will need to be self-sufficient until professional help can arrive," highlighting the importance of preparing before disaster strikes.
The program also focuses on emotional preparedness. Residents are encouraged to consider how they can prepare themselves to remain calm during a crisis and practice those skills before an emergency occurs. As the program explains, "How can we prepare ourselves to be emotionally ready? Let's look at how you can practice today and be less stressed moving forward and find the calm amidst the chaos."
Photo Credit: San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District
The PEP program is, according to the Fire Protection District, a collaborative effort involving several Tri-Valley governmental and community organizations, including the City of San Ramon, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, San Ramon Valley Unified School District, and Contra Costa County.
The next class is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Fire Protection District's administrative offices at 2401 Crow Canyon Road, Suite A, San Ramon.
For more information or to register, residents can visit the website for the City of San Ramon or San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District.
Preparedness begins before an emergency occurs. By developing a plan, gathering essential supplies and learning how to respond under pressure, residents can take greater responsibility for their own safety and help their families remain prepared when an emergency strikes.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at robert.m@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below with your thoughts.
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