San Mateo County turns disaster readiness into a hands-on family experience at Disaster Preparedness Day on August 1

San Mateo County, California – When disaster strikes, preparation is measured in minutes, but the work begins long before the first emergency call. San Mateo County is inviting residents to spend just a few hours learning skills that could one day protect their families, neighbors and communities when earthquakes, wildfires, extended power outages or other crises hit.

Instead of simply telling people to be ready, the county is turning preparedness into a hands-on community experience. The 22nd annual Disaster Preparedness Day will return on Saturday, Aug. 1, offering practical lessons, live demonstrations and direct access to the professionals who respond when emergencies happen.

The free event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Mateo County Event Center, giving anyone who lives, works or visits the county an opportunity to build real-world emergency skills. Organizers say the goal is to make disaster readiness approachable, interactive and useful for people of every age and background.

Visitors will be able to explore a variety of demonstrations and workshops focused on preparing for common emergencies. From assembling emergency supplies to understanding how to respond during a disaster, the event emphasizes simple actions that can make a meaningful difference before professional help arrives.

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Activities are designed with entire families in mind. A child as young as 8 can participate in a first CPR lesson, while younger children can experience emergency response firsthand by helping first responders care for a teddy bear inside a real ambulance. Adults and seniors will also find resources tailored to their needs, including household readiness information presented in Spanish.

“Every family in this county is safer when we prepare together,” said Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, San Mateo County’s 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. Whatever comes next, we face it as one community.”

The event also reflects San Mateo County’s commitment to reaching its diverse population. Workshops on packing a Go Bag will be offered in English, Spanish and Mandarin, making critical preparedness information accessible to more residents. Younger attendees can also enjoy Storytime with a Firefighter, presented in the same three languages.

According to organizers, the multilingual approach was shaped directly by community feedback gathered over the years.

“We built this day by listening,” said Sandra Firpo, an Emergency Coordinator with San Mateo County Emergency Management who leads community outreach and directs the Disaster Preparedness Day program. “Residents told us what they needed — the languages they wanted to hear, the questions they wanted answered and the resources their families needed.”

Beyond educational sessions, attendees will have the chance to meet first responders, ask questions and learn more about the agencies that coordinate emergency response throughout the county. Officials hope those conversations will strengthen public confidence while encouraging households to take practical preparedness steps before an emergency occurs.

Admission and parking are free, and complimentary emergency preparedness resources will be distributed while supplies last. Free hot dogs will also be available during the event while supplies last.

Disaster Preparedness Day will take place Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive in San Mateo. Additional event updates and information will be posted at https://www.SMCDisasterPrep.org as the event approaches.