Actions Speak Louder than Words - Especially When Disaster Strikes
By Tracy Rolling

"Don't be scared, be prepared!" That is the slogan for a nationwide campaign, spearheaded by Homeland Security and Ready America.

According to Jill Olin, director of San Diego Public Safety and San Diego Homeland Security, only 1 in 3 families are prepared for a major disaster like fire, earthquake or flood.

It goes without saying that a catastrophic event could leave the Ramona community without basic amenities such as food, water and electricity.

Many homeowners experienced this from wildfires in the past and vowed to put into practice disaster plans and preparedness kits that could save their families from a preventable tragedy.

Spokespersons for Ready American like Jake Peavy of the Padres and Luis Castillo of the Chargers have created public service announcements as a way to encourage the community to be prepared. Their message is simple and conveys, "preparedness starts with you."

Olin said, "The chances of you surviving a major event are very good if you're organized, equipped and prepared when disaster strikes."

Olin added that the most predominant threat to our area is wildfire and that San Diego has a mutual aid agreement in place where state, federal and even tribal assistance would help in the event of a tsunami, nuclear catastrophe or other disasters.

Though these events are unlikely to occur, that doesn't stop the city from having a plan and practicing emergency procedures.

Kristi Mansolf of the Ramona Community Planning Group said Ramona's plan was written in collaboration with five other agencies: Ramona Fire Department, the Ramona Outback Amateur Radio Society, the Sheriff's Department, the Department of Animal Services and the San Diego OES.

The plan outlines fire history, stakeholders, evacuation plans - including area maps - fire and law enforcement response plans and responsibilities, radio communications, and even a shelter system.

Throughout the plan the message is clear - to avoid and reduce the possibility of damage and loss.

The plan was created after the community felt "chaotic" from the Cedar fire in 2003, Mansolf said. She urged the public to take responsibility and be prepared. "Ramona has made strides, but we are a big area with six different fire agencies covering 160 square miles. We need more citizens to become involved."

The 71-page Ramona Community Protection and Evacuation Plan is accessible to the public and can be viewed at www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/community/get_involved/cpep/ then clicking on Ramona.

For more information on Ready America or to start your own family disaster plan, visit the OES Web site at www.readysandiego.org.