Toddlers can help first responders triage a teddy bear inside a real ambulance. Eight-year-olds can try their first CPR compressions. And grandparents can learn how to pack a go bag in Spanish or Mandarin.
San Mateo County's 22nd annual Disaster Preparedness Day takes over the San Mateo County Event Center on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free hands-on training, live demonstrations, and emergency resources for residents of all ages, the county announced in a post on X (@sanmateoco).
The event, at 1346 Saratoga Drive in San Mateo, covers earthquakes, wildfires, power outages, and other emergencies. Admission and parking are free. Hot dogs are free while supplies last.
What's there
A "How to Pack a Go Bag" workshop runs in English, Spanish, and Mandarin. "Storytime with a Firefighter" is offered in the same three languages for younger children. Attendees can also get up close with emergency vehicles and equipment.
Sandra Firpo, emergency coordinator with San Mateo County Emergency Management, directs the program. She said in a county statement that multilingual programming was added in response to resident feedback about the languages they wanted to hear and the resources their families needed.
Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, the county's director of emergency management, oversees the broader preparedness effort.
Who can attend
The event is open to anyone who lives, works, or visits San Mateo County. No registration is required.
Free resources will be available while supplies last. For updates, visit www.SMCDisasterPrep.org.
Upcoming community events
- Saturday, Aug. 1 — Disaster Preparedness Day, San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission and parking.
