San Mateo residents can learn hands-only CPR, practice Stop the Bleed techniques, and get guidance on packing a go-bag at the 22nd annual Disaster Preparedness Day on Saturday, August 1, at the San Mateo County Event Center.

The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1346 Saratoga Drive.

Organized by the County of San Mateo's Office of Emergency Management, the fair packs four hours of hands-on training and demonstrations into one location. A CAL FIRE crew will show attendees how to cook emergency meals using field equipment, according to the county.

Kids and families will find plenty to see. Smokey Bear and Captain Cal are scheduled to appear, the county said. Fire trucks, a SamTrans disaster relief bus, a Recology garbage truck, a mounted search and rescue unit, and a K-9 demonstration round out the vehicle and equipment displays.

The event arrives during a severe national wildfire season. The national wildfire preparedness level reached Level 5, the highest designation, in late July 2026, with 41,779 fires recorded across the U.S. so far this year, the most in a decade, Time reported on July 27.

No registration is required. The county describes the event as "free and fun for the whole family." More details are available at smcgov.org/dem/2026-san-mateo-county-disaster-preparedness-day-free.

The San Mateo County Event Center will be busy that Saturday. Samaritan House is also hosting a back-to-school backpack giveaway at the same venue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., though registration for that event closed Friday, July 24.