Redwood City – Wildfires, tsunamis, earthquakes and, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic are reminders that the best time to prepare your family for disaster is ASAP.
And the most immediate ASAP is the 18th annual Disaster Preparedness Day this Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the San Mateo County Event Center.
This family-friendly event (the goal is to inform, not frighten) features demonstrations on first aid and how to prepare a budget-friendly emergency kit. Free admission, free parking and free hot dogs included.
“Disaster preparedness is one of the things I am passionate about. The more we can prepare and plan, the better we will all be,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Carole Groom.
Look for demonstrations by local fire departments and Community Emergency Response Teams, better known as CERT. These volunteers help prepare their neighbors for the unexpected and can help first responders with basic disaster response.
Kids can sit in a for-real helicopter, get up close with horses from search and rescue teams and meet firefighters.
Adults can speak with representatives from a host of agencies and community partners. These include organizations with specialized skills ranging from helping individuals with special needs to health care and animal care. Vendors will also be on hand.
Gates open at 10 a.m. at the Saratoga Drive entrance to the Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo.
For an event schedule and more information, go to smcdisasterprep.org or call the Office of Supervisor Groom at 650-363-4568.
Michelle Durand
Chief Communications Officer
mdurand@smcgov.org