Disaster preparedness day
Federal, state and local agencies are gathering Saturday at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Menlo Park campus for a one-day event aimed at helping the public better prepare for disasters.
The free event, organized by San Mateo County, takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature more than 25 exhibit booths, fire and law enforcement emergency response vehicles, emergency kit and disaster plan instructions, and a free basic course in CPR.
The event’s timing corresponds with September being declared National Preparedness month by the Department of Homeland Security. Locally, any large-scale regional catastrophe could quickly strain the resources of emergency crews and responders, making it necessary for people to be prepared to shelter in-place at home, school or the workplace with appropriate food, water or medical supplies for 72 hours or longer.
The 6th annual San Mateo County Disaster Preparedness Day fair is the first stop in learning and being prepared to survive on your own after an emergency, being able to support yourself, your family and neighbors in the event of a major disaster.
In addition to the other activities, USGS scientists will give educational presentations about natural hazards in the Bay Area. Seismologist Walter Mooney will speak about Large, Destructive Earthquakes in Haiti and Chile—Lessons Learned for the Bay Area, at 10:30 a.m., and analyst Anne Wein will discuss The Potential Economic Impact of a Massive West Coast Storm at 12:45 p.m.