With a population over 70,000 and more than 2,500 businesses, located in an urban area prone to earthquakes, Union City is vulnerable to a number of natural and man-made disasters, including earthquakes, fires, floods and industrial accidents.  As a city, our most important responsibility is to protect the public and ensure that everyone is ready to respond to and recover from these and other potentially devastating events.

All residents, local employees and visitors are encouraged to take actions now to improve their individual preparedness.  Don’t be caught unprepared; a little prep goes a long way!

In case of a major emergency, the City will provide updates on the City website, social media portals like Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor, and through the media.  Tune your radio to KCBS at 740 AM for important alerts and updates. A good place to start is the Alameda County emergency and disaster preparedness website at Ready.acgov.org.

To receive Union City-specific alerts your cellphone, we encourage you to sign up for AC ALERT.

Available FEMA resources for those affected by the 2023 Winter Storms.

Preparing for the unexpected is the best defense against emergencies and disasters. Knowing what to do before an emergency arises will help you respond quickly when it happens—after all, it’s not a question of "if," but "when." Make plans now to be prepared later.  Check out the links below to help you, your family and your business survive and recover from a wide variety of dangerous situations:

• Make an emergency kit
• Have a communication plan
• Document family emergency information
• Learn First Aid
• Know how to keep your pets safe
• Sign up with AC ALERT to get local, real-time alerts, instructions, and updates on your cell phone

Earthquake Preparedness

Consider signing up for AC ALERT, which is a free application that you can download to receive real-time alerts and important messages from Union City and other local authorities on your cell phone.  And it is a good idea to learn practical survival skills by taking free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training courses, offered throughout the year.  Contact the Alameda County Fire Department for additional information on free, personalized trainings. 

Take these steps NOW to help you prepare, survive and recover:

• Secure your space by identifying hazards and securing moveable items.
• Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency.
• Organize disaster supplies in convenient locations.
• Minimize financial hardship by organizing important documents, strengthening your property, and considering insurance.

Fire Preparedness

In Union City, the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) provides fire response and emergency medical services.  In addition, one of the most important functions of the Fire Department is fire prevention, which includes both education and enforcement programs.  Fire inspectors work with homeowners and businesses to ensure that the Union City Fire Code is followed. These programs have a proven track record in reducing the losses from fires.

In addition to providing training for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, where you can get free practical training in emergency response actions for the individual and neighborhood level, the fire department also offers Personal Preparedness Workshops and other services for the community.  You can take a tour of the fire station in your neighborhood or ride along on the truck for up to 8 hours!  And you can also get free, hands-on training in CPR or use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Flood Preparedness

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters, and pose a serious risk to life, property, public health and the economy.  Although devastating floods are most likely in areas with extensive development in floodplains and around levees, like the California Central Valley, every city is at risk of flood damage. 

California’s rainy season usually lasts from November to April, bringing heavy flooding and increased flood risks with it; however, flooding can happen at any time.  Union City residents, businesses and visitors need to be aware of the possibility and take action in advance to reduce potential damages.

You can check for up-to-the-minute weather forecasts at the National Weather service, and check for weather alerts from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Watches and Warnings site.