San Diego City Wire

First responders constitute less than 1% of San Diego County's population, and in the event of a major disaster, they will focus on the most critical needs. These could involve residential areas or significant services like the regional water supply or local hospitals.

To better prepare residents for potential disasters, County Fire, Emergency Services, Animal Services, and the Sheriff's Office are collaborating with Deaf Community Services, the Red Cross, and the San Diego Regional Center to host a free presentation. This event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 20 at the Alpine Library, 1752 Alpine Blvd.

The session aims to educate attendees on the four phases of a disaster: prevention, preparation, response, and recovery. Funded by a grant from LISTOS California, the presentation covers preparedness for pets and people, measures for wildfire prevention and home hardening, evacuation planning, details about the new Genasys Evac map, and an overview of local assistance centers and the recovery process. ASL interpreters will be available.

Participants will receive a personal disaster plan book to initiate their own emergency plans. This course is designed to guide individuals through various preventive and preparatory steps to better equip them and their families for emergencies.

Additionally, those interested in learning more comprehensive disaster response skills can join the Community Emergency Response Team. This group comprises trained community members who gain knowledge from emergency responders to manage situations like minor fires, search and rescue, and providing medical aid until professional responders arrive.

For registration, individuals can contact Teresa Greenhalgh via phone or text at (619) 857-8050 or email Teresa.Greenhalgh@sdcounty.ca.gov.