Emergency Preparedness
Below, you can find information about Emergency Preparedness and local resources in McKinleyville and Humboldt County. Please share this with a neighbor. The more prepared we are, the safer our community is.
Important Phone Numbers
- Arcata Fire District
- 707-825-2000
- Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
- 707-445-7251
- Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services
- 707-268-2500
Disaster Prep Online Resources
American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Checklist
FEMA’s Ready Campaign- Learn about disasters and how to be prepared
Humboldt ALERTS
This system notifies you about urgent threats to health and safety—things like wildfire evacuations, flood warnings, tsunami alerts, and shelter-in-place orders.
How to sign up (takes just a few minutes):
1. Go to: https://humboldtgov.org/2014/Emergency-Notifications
2. Create an account.
3. Add up to 5 locations you want alerts for (home, work, kids’ school, etc.).
4. Choose how you want to receive alerts: text, email, mobile phone, landline, or the app (Android/iOS).
Optional but helpful:
1. Add Evacuation & Sheltering Info (e.g., pets, mobility needs, anyone who might need assistance).
2. Add Disaster Volunteer Skills (e.g., CERT certified, HAM radio). This helps coordinators during an emergency.
Important reminder: Humboldt ALERTS is a powerful tool—but in a large-scale event, communications can fail. Stay aware of your surroundings and don’t wait for an alert if you believe you need to leave.
County of Humboldt Current Emergencies Page
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services is the primary local coordination agency for emergencies and disasters affecting residents, public infrastructure and government operations in the county. You can view current emergencies on their webpage.
County Road Conditions Updates
The Humboldt County Department of Public Works encourages the community to take steps to stay safe on the road while experiencing wet or extreme weather.
While roads crews respond immediately during the winter storm season to reopen damaged roads as quickly as possible, it is important to note that carrying out more extensive road repairs is a timely process and is often dependent on state and federal governments to determine the size and scope of the repairs they will fund.
Be Prepared
Humboldt County residents are encouraged to be prepared for more winter weather ahead. Before the next storm, be sure to check your vehicle’s tires, radiator fluid levels, windshield wipers, lights, defroster and heater to ensure they are in good condition before heading out on the road.
Community members are encouraged to avoid driving in severe weather conditions. If you must drive, please be sure to:
- Monitor local National Weather Service weather conditions at Weather.gov.eka.
- Stay informed on Humboldt County road conditions at Humboldtgov.org/Roads.
- Check for Caltrans roads updates at Quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
- Keep your gas tank full.
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Drive slowly and expect delays. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Keep your windshield clear. Turn on headlights to improve visibility.
- Slow for the cone zone. Keep the county’s road crews safe by always keeping alert.
- Follow all speed limit, road closure and detour signs.
- Always carry chains. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. Carry a flashlight with extra batteries and chain repair links. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels. Make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.
- Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle, including warm blankets, gloves, an ice scraper, shovel, a small broom and extra food and water.
- Never drive through flood water.
- Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1.
McKinleyville Family Resource Center
The MFRC offers programs and services that support, enrich, and sustain healthy community life. These include: a food pantry, Humboldt Income Program, Youth Leadership Development, case management and more.
