San Mateo County hosts free Disaster Preparedness Day to help residents build confidence before emergencies

San Mateo County, California – When disaster strikes, the difference between chaos and calm often comes down to one thing: preparedness. The 21st Annual Disaster Preparedness Day in San Mateo County is free and hands-on. It will take place on Saturday, August 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Mateo County Event Center.

The topic for this year is “Be more confident to face any emergency.” It is meant to assist people and families take real steps to keep safe amid floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and other unexpected disasters. The event also has a lot of easy-to-use materials for people who don’t know where to start, such CPR lessons and tips on how to plan for emergencies.

Visitors will be able to make or update their own family emergency plans, pack a personalized Go Bag, and even take free, hands-on CPR lessons. People who attend can also sign up for local emergency notifications, which come in many languages, and learn how to change their language settings so they can get important updates right away.

“Just look around the nation: catastrophic flooding in the Midwest and South, heatwaves in the North, fires burning in the West. A disaster can strike at any time, anywhere, and now is the time to get prepared by building your knowledge, learning key skills and developing a plan,” said David Canepa, president of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.

“We know that in a disaster, the most vulnerable communities often face the greatest risks, especially those who speak limited English or have less access to emergency resources,” said Supervisor Noelia Corzo, who serves on the event’s planning committee. “That’s why this day is about more than training. It’s about making sure everyone, regardless of background or language, has the tools and confidence to stay safe.”

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That’s why this year’s event includes emergency preparation seminars in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. Experts will be on hand to help residents set up their phones to get emergency notifications in the language they choose. This is a tiny but potentially life-saving step in a county where almost 45% of citizens speak a language other than English at home.

Disaster Preparedness Day isn’t just about catastrophic events that could happen out of nowhere. Organizers have made the event family-friendly by adding a Kids’ Korner full of fun and instructive activities. Kids may meet genuine search-and-rescue horses, look around fire trucks, and listen to firefighters read stories in multiple languages.

People who want to stock up on supplies can get free emergency kits while they last, and there will be live demonstrations of how to utilize them properly. Public agencies, NGOs, and community partners will be on-site to help residents find important services, answer concerns, and link them with the resources they need. Some of these partners are Cal Fire, PG&E, the American Red Cross, and the Center for Independence for Individuals with Disabilities.

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There are no hidden costs: admittance is free, parking is free, and yes, even the hot dogs are free. You don’t have to sign up. The county wants everyone to attend, learn, and leave feeling empowered, whether you’re beginning from scratch or just reviewing your plan.

Because, as Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar of the County’s Department of Emergency Management put it, “Preparedness isn’t panic. It’s peace of mind.”