San Diego City Wire

Students at Borrego Springs Middle School are helping their families prepare for emergencies by creating home fire safety escape plans. The initiative is part of a pilot program by San Diego County Fire, funded through state emergency preparedness grants.

The contest, which coincided with Wildfire Awareness Month and National Electrical Safety Month in May, aimed to educate students on fire safety as summer break approaches. Teresa Greenhalgh, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Coordinator for County Fire, emphasized the significance of the program: “Learning fire safety and drawing escape plans could save a life. These students better understand the importance of preparing for disaster and were empowered to take responsibility for themselves and their families.”

County Fire staff launched the program in early May with discussions on careers in fire service, home fire safety tips, and contest rules. Students were required to create detailed home floor plans indicating smoke alarm locations, two escape routes from each room, and a safe meeting point outside the home. A panel comprising community partners and County Fire selected the winners.

On May 28, County Fire along with partners such as the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, the County Office of Emergency Services, the County Library, LiveWell San Diego, SDG&E, the American Red Cross, and CAL FIRE presented awards at an interactive safety fair. The event featured skills stations including hands-only CPR training, fire extinguisher use via a simulator, electrical and kitchen hazards safety demonstrations.

Nearly 80 students participated in the contest. Each received a starter go-bag containing essential supplies like a Listos Disaster Ready Guide, flashlight, first aid kit, and emergency blanket. Contest winners Mateo Garcia (seventh grade) and Gael Fuentes (sixth grade) received family-sized go-bags equipped with additional items such as an emergency AM/FM radio/flashlight combo.

The program was funded by the Listos California CERT Support Grant from the governor’s Office of Emergency Services to enhance residents' preparedness for emergencies or disasters.

For more local resources on emergency preparedness visit San Diego County Fire and AlertSanDiego.

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