Redwood City – Preparing your family for the worst that can happen sounds like a depressing way to spend a day.
No, we can’t stop an earthquake or a tsunami. But we can anticipate and prepare for any number of calamities that may strike while we are at home, at the office, on the road or in school.
The County of San Mateo’s 19th annual Disaster Preparedness Day will provide attendees the opportunity to learn from experts in a family-friendly setting with free hotdogs while supplies last and the opportunity for kids (and adults) to get up close with emergency-response vehicles.
The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at the San Mateo County Event Center. Free parking will be available at the entrance at 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo.
Workshops will include how to make a basic family communications plan (where to go, who to contact) and what to pack in a basic and inexpensive emergency supplies kit. Local experts will teach classes on CPR, basic first aid and how to be firewise.
Giveaways and activities will include:
- Hot dogs
- Flashlights for kids
- Children’s books
- Toy fire helmets
- “Smoke Tunnel” simulation
- Take a selfie with a firefighter or police officer
- Free COVID-19 test kits
“The time to start thinking about your family’s risks is today, not when the creeks are rising or there’s smoke on the horizon,” said Don Mattei, director of the County’s Department of Emergency Management.
“Our goal is to support families and communities in becoming self-sufficient in emergency preparedness, enabling them to survive and recover from a disaster as efficiently as possible,” Mattei said.
Once at the Event Center, signs will direct visitors to an exhibit hall filled with displays from organizations and vendors. These include:
- American Red Cross
- Center for Independence for Individuals with Disabilities
- San Mateo County Large Animal Evac
- Numerous Community Emergency Response Teams from throughout the county
- Local fire, police and public safety agencies
- And many more
For more information, go to www.smcdisasterprep.org or call 650-363-4790.
And don’t wait to prepare! Sign up today for SMC Alert.
Michelle Durand
Chief Communications Officer
mdurand@smcgov.org