Disaster Preparedness

By Bill Horn

Supervisor Horn's commitment to prepare every county resident for the next disaster.

Today, with the help of three Indian tribes, we now own two fire-fighting and rescue helicopters. I worked to have one stationed permanently in Fallbrook to protect North County. We've helped the California Department of Forestry keep 95% of fire to less than 10 acres.

But you can't win a war with air power alone. We're also getting the job done on the ground.

Our County has committed more than $5 million a year to keep fire stations open year-round. We're buying new equipment and training firefighters. We will complete a $20 million upgrade to our Emergency Communications System this year.

We must be prepared for the next disaster. And it will come. My personal focus has been to make sure you are prepared for the next disaster, especially for at least the first 72 hours if government help is not available. I hosted a disaster preparedness conference in March and we are in the process of mailing a disaster preparedness pamphlet to every home in our County. I will be conducting earthquake preparedness workshops throughout North County. For a date and location near you, visit my website: at http://www.billhorn.com/