Redwood City – A tsunami advisory issued Tuesday evening for the California coast is an urgent reminder that San Mateo County residents should be ready for any emergency.
That’s why local officials encourage everyone to sign up for SMC Alert – whether you are a resident or visiting – as well as invite you to attend the 21st Annual Disaster Preparedness Day this Saturday, Aug. 2, at the San Mateo County Event Center.
This free, family-friendly event covers emergency preparedness from every angle: quick Go Bag tutorials for immediate readiness, in-depth hands-on training sessions and direct access to first responders and experts who'll teach you real-world emergency skills.
Understanding your personal risk is a key part of that preparedness, especially when it comes to coastal hazards like tsunamis.
“Knowing whether you live, work or spend time in a tsunami hazard zone can help you understand your risk," said Ryan Reynolds, Assistant Director for San Mateo County Emergency Management. "We developed the San Mateo County Tsunami Hazard Zone Viewer to make it easy for everyone to check by address, assess their risk, and know where to go for safety.”
What to know and when to go
Given the events of this week, it’s also helpful to understand National Weather Service Alerts and the meaning behind the different terms used in alert and warnings:
Courtesy National Weather Service.
"Emergencies will happen — that's a certainty. But how they affect you and your loved ones? That's still in your hands,” said Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, Director of Emergency Management. “This Saturday, invest a few hours in learning skills that will help you be ready for what comes next. Because the best time to prepare for an emergency isn't after it happens — it's right now, while you still can."
The gates open for Disaster Preparedness Day at 10 a.m.
Special displays include emergency vehicles along with horses from search-and-rescue teams. Parking and admission are free as well as free hot dogs while they last.
Dozens of agencies, nonprofit organizations and vendors will participate. Attendees can pick up free emergency supplies while they last and learn about volunteer opportunities in their community.
Disaster Preparedness Day 2025
Saturday, August 2, 2025
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
San Mateo County Event Center
1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo
Learn more.
Cari E. Guittard
Department of Emergency Management
(650) 363-4790
(415) 608-0806
cguittard@smcgov.org