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Disaster Preparedness

“He who is prepared has won half the battle.”
-Japanese proverb

Given our county’s strategic location, vulnerability to wildfire, and hidden risks from earthquakes, we San Diegans have compelling reason to prepare our homes, communities and businesses for disaster. VSD therefore encourages you to explore the below opportunities and to share what you learn with your neighbors and co-workers. 

AlertSanDiego

First things first...don't forget to prepare yourself! It takes only a minute to register your cell phone, VoIP phone or email address for a reverse 9-1-1 notification during a disaster. We encourage all San Diegans to do this by mid-October. To get started, click here.

Burn Institute
Volunteers perform critically important work in furthering the mission of The Burn Institute, San Diego’s leading institution in the realm of both burn prevention and recovery.  The Institute’s lifesaving educational programs have helped to reduce rates of death or injury from burns while other programs support burn victims throughout their recovery.  Volunteer projects include installing smoke detectors for seniors, coaching kids at fire safety festivals, and serving at San Diego’s grand, annual Fire Expo at Qualcomm.  For more information, click here.

American Red Cross
The San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the ARC trains volunteers as public speakers on key topics in disaster preparedness. Chapter representatives meet and mix with a broad cross-section of our citizenry at community events ranging from business dinners to street fairs, from professional conventions to school assemblies.  While acquiring knowledge about the types of disaster which can strike your community, you’ll learn about health and safety issues and steps for readying your own home and family for a disaster.  To learn more, click here. 

Animal Services, The Humane Society, SPCA
If animals are among your top concerns in a disaster, consider training for roles in support of the personnel who rescue and care for our animals.  At the same time, learn emergency planning for your own household – from domestic pets to larger companion animals and livestock.  And you can support the officers of Animal Services and The Humane Society with urgently needed disaster planning for the farm and ranch animals in your community..  For further information, click here. 

Fire Safe Council of San Diego County
With nearly 50 satellite councils to its credit, the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County promotes public education in fire safety, pre-fire planning, and vegetation management.  The Council also mobilizes communities to reduce undesirable fuels with programs in wood chipping and brush clearance.  To volunteer for one of the County’s FS Councils or to start an FS Council of your own check out their website here. 

If you would like to see listed any of your own  volunteer opportunities in disaster preparedness, contact Patricia Davis at pdavis@volunteersandiego.org, 858-636-4168.