San Mateo – Survivors from recent wildfires will share their experiences and provide crucial information at a special event Saturday aimed at helping people prepare for and respond to wildfires.
“Be Wildfire Safe & Ready” is free and open to anyone who lives, works and enjoys San Mateo County.
The event, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the San Mateo County Event Center, brings together wildfire survivors as well as emergency managers, fire and police chiefs, County supervisors and insurance professionals.
“The fires in Los Angeles County were a stark reminder for all of us in San Mateo County that we face increasing wildfire risks. This event is really about turning fear into readiness," said San Mateo County Supervisor Jackie Speier, co-host of the event. "People won’t just walk away with information, they will leave with a to-do list and tools to help protect their homes, families and communities.”
Speier, along with Board President David Canepa and Supervisors Lisa Gauthier and Ray Mueller, will speak at the event and lead panel discussions with fire survivors and firefighters on first-hand accounts, individual preparedness and evacuations.
The January fires that struck Southern California demonstrate that even neighborhoods far from dense forests and thick vegetation are not immune to fire risk. That risk is rising in Northern California as climate change drying out our forests and grasslands and creating longer stretches of hot weather.
While the topics are serious, organizers promise a family-friendly atmosphere that includes a kid’s corner with activity stations as well as visits by Smokey Bear and Captain Cal. There will also be live translation available for each of the four panels in Spanish, Mandarin and American Sign Language.
Cari Guittard
Department of Emergency Management
cguittard@smcgov.org
415-608-0806