SAN MATEO, CA — San Mateo County residents can learn how to prepare for earthquakes, wildfires, power outages and other emergencies during the county's 22nd annual Disaster Preparedness Day next month.
The free event will take place Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Mateo County Event Center.
Hosted by San Mateo County Emergency Management, the family-friendly event will feature hands-on activities, live demonstrations and information booths where attendees can ask questions and learn how to keep their families and communities safe.
Visitors will have the chance to meet first responders, explore emergency vehicles and equipment, learn how to pack an emergency go bag, and attend Storytime with a Firefighter. Workshops and storytime sessions will be offered in English, Spanish and Mandarin.
Children can also participate in activities such as practicing emergency response skills by helping first responders triage a teddy bear inside an ambulance.
"Every family in this county is safer when we prepare together," said Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, San Mateo County director of emergency management. "Disaster Preparedness Day is where residents meet the people who will be there for them in a crisis and learn the simple things that make the difference when minutes count."
Emergency Coordinator Sandra Firpo said the event has evolved based on community feedback.
"We built this day by listening," Firpo said. "Residents told us what they needed — the languages they wanted to hear, the questions they wanted answered and the resources their families needed."
Admission and parking are free, and complimentary resources and hot dogs will be available while supplies last.
Disaster Preparedness Day
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