When a disaster hits, there is no such thing as being too prepared. However, unpreparedness in such situations can be devastating.
For the past two years, San Diego County has been developing a plan that will allow residents to be prepared for natural and man-made disasters.
Along with natural disasters, such as fires, earthquakes and floods, this plan will strengthen San Diego’s ability to respond to terrorist attacks.
The plan consists of risk assessments and vulnerability analysis for all 18 cities in the county. Many agencies, organizations and businesses were involved in creating the document, which received Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval.
“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 residents informed of any changes and adapt it as needed, the county will hold community workshops with businesses, workgroups with SANDAG and Caltrans, seminars and establish closer working relationships with local and state governments.
The plan advises the public to be aware of hazardous conditions in the community and at home.
In response to the usually hot San Diego weather and the predicted long hurricane season ahead, the American Red Cross is now recruiting volunteers to train in the areas of shelter operations, food distribution, mental health services, family assistance, public relations and fund raising. Anyone willing to meet the basic requirements of a health screening and background check and enroll in basic disaster training can contribiute to the readiness effort.
“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 involves also provides free disaster classes for all who are interested and willing to attend.
“Trained volunteers are the backbone of Red Cross disaster preparedness,” said Jeff Wiemann, chapter CEO. “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.” Wiemann noted that hundreds of first-time volunteers from San Diego who pitched in after Hurricane Katrina made a dramatic difference.
To sign up or for more information about becoming a volunteer for disaster relief, visit www.sdarc.com or contact Murray at (858) 309-1309. The San Diego County’s disaster plan is available for download at www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/ or by contacting the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services, (858) 565-3490.