San Mateo – The San Andreas fault off San Francisco ruptured 119 years ago this morning, unleashing a cataclysm with repercussions and lessons for us today.
The Great San Francisco Earthquake struck a mostly sleeping city at 5:12 a.m. Buildings fell and a raging firestorm ignited. An estimated 250,000 people were suddenly homeless.
“An earthquake can happen at any moment—and when it does, it won’t wait for us to be ready,” said Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, director of the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management. “Preparedness isn’t just a checklist, it’s a mindset. The more we plan, practice and support one another today, the stronger and more resilient our community will be when the next earthquake hits.”
Experts advise packing a “Go Bag” that will help see you and your family through the first 72 hours of an emergency: fires, earthquakes, floods, extreme weather or any number of crises. The “Go Bag” should be packed with gear but also light and handy.
Come to the April 26 “Be Wildfire Safe & Ready” to learn from local experts on what to put in a Go Bag – and what to leave out.
“A proper Go Bag will save you from running around and gathering items when time is critical,” said Hayman Tam, a retired aerospace engineer who will lead a seminar on Go Bags at Be Wildfire Safe & Ready. “Think of all the items you might forget to pack!”
Tam’s seminar will be among numerous sessions to guide attendees in learning their risks and managing whatever emergencies they may face.
Be Wildfire Safe & Ready takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the San Mateo County Event Center. Attendance and parking are free.
Among the highlights:
- Panel discussions on insurance considerations, how to harden your home against wildfire risks.
- First-person accounts from survivors of wildfires.
- Key information from local firefighters, emergency managers.
- A ‘kids corner’ with displays, a visit by Smokey Bear.
- And much more.
The family-friendly event is intended to empower residents. The theme is “Don’t be scared, be prepared.” Live translation will be available in Spanish, Mandarin and American Sign Language.
Tam, a Belmont resident, is a FEMA-certified CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) instructor who teaches preparedness on the Peninsula. He recommends everyone have a basic set of supplies at the ready.
“Imagine you have 15 minutes to evacuate your home, what would you bring? What would you need to handle a few days living in an evacuation shelter?”
Come to Be Wildfire Safe & Ready to learn how to build your custom kit.
Sandra Firpo
Department of Emergency Management
sfirpo@smcgov.org