Disaster Can Strike Anytime-Are You Ready?

Published On: November 1st, 2018By Categories: Miscellaneous1.8 min read

Hurricanes, tornados, mass floods; these are not words you hear associated with Southern California. But California is not immune from disasters: we have nearly annual fires, tsunami threats, and (thankfully infrequent) earthquakes.

“It’s not an if, but a when. It is only a matter of time until Southern California is shaken by an earthquake,” said Vince Hall, Feeding San Diego’s CEO. “We cannot stress enough the importance of having a plan for you and your family when this occurs.” Because of the unexpected nature of earthquakes, it is vital that each of us is ready for the inevitable.

Disasters can cause power outages, collapsed buildings, shifting ground, road closures, bridge and freeway destruction, flooding, landslides, ground liquefication and much more.

Feeding San Diego was founded during the devastating fires that ravaged our region in 2007. We are an active partner in disaster relief and recovery efforts, and are part of the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, providing leadership, support, and supplies during disasters.

Feeding San Diego urges community members to make a plan for how you and your loved ones will stay safe when disaster strikes. Here are some questions to think about:

  • How will family members contact each other during a disaster?
  • How will you get back together with your family if separated?
  • What will you take with you if you need to evacuate?
  • Do you have enough food and supplies to last at least three days if the power goes out?
    • Are these easy to access and transport if you need to evacuate?
  • Are you registered for emergency alerts via phone and email? You can register at alertsd@sdcounty.ca.gov.

San Diego County prepared a handy video to help you learn all the steps you should take to prepare for The Big One. To help you prepare for any type of disaster we might face here in Southern California, readysandiego.org has you covered.

Disaster preparedness is not meant to scare anyone, it is meant to get you thinking and to start preparing. Sit down with your family tonight and start to discuss what would happen in case of an emergency.