When a disaster hits, there is no such thing as being too prepared. The damage can be devastating if there is no preparation.
For the past two years, the county of San Diego has been developing a plan that will help residents cope with natural or man-made disasters.
Along with natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes and floods, this plan will strengthen San Diego’s ability to recover from other disasters, such as terrorist attacks, by strengthening the public’s ability to react.
The disaster plan consists of risk assessments and analysis of vulnerability for all 18 cities in San Diego County, including Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, and Vista.
Many agencies, organizations, and businesses were involved in creating the document, which has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“We looked at the hazards most likely to occur in the region and what our goals and objectives should be to lessen damages from these disasters,” said Ron Lane, director of the Office of Emergency Services of San Diego. “Precautionary steps need to be taken to ensure the safety of our community, and that is the goal of this plan.”
To keep the public updated on any changes in the plan, the county will host community workshops with businesses, workgroups with SANDAG and Caltrans, and seminars. There will also be coordination with other jurisdictions, including local and state entities.
A representative from each participating region will also be in charge of keeping the public informed of any plan changes.
The disaster plan’s basic tenet is to maintain safety by being aware of hazardous conditions in the community and at home.
With much of the usual San Diego hot summer still ahead and a predicted long hurricane season looming, the American Red Cross is now recruiting volunteers from San Diego County to help in running shelters, making meals, distribution, mobile feeding, health services, mental health services, family assistance, public relations and fund-raising. Volunteers must meet basic requirements, such as completing an enrollment application, undergoing a health screening and background check, and taking basic disaster training.
“We need people to volunteer because at one time or another we are all affected by a disaster “¦ and it’s nice to be able to give back to the community,” said Julie Murray, Disaster Services human resources administrator for the San Diego branch of the Red Cross.
The Red Cross also provides free disaster classes.
“Trained volunteers are the backbone of Red Cross disaster preparedness,” Chapter CEO Jeff Wiemann said. “Our volunteers demonstrate every day that the Red Cross in San Diego and Imperial Counties is ready to respond and help our neighbors at any time.”
Hundreds of first-time volunteers from San Diego assisted in the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief effort and made a dramatic difference, he added.
To sign up or for more information about becoming a volunteer for disaster relief, visit the Red Cross Web site, www.sdarc.com, or contact Murray, (858) 309-1309.
Also, for further information or to download the San Diego County’s disaster plan, visit www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/ or contact the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services, (858) 565-3490. Booklets are being mailed out to residents.