On September 24, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a five-year plan to improve firefighting and medical services. It was a unanimous vote of 4-0, without Supervisor Greg Cox present to vote.
The plan has many objectives, such as strengthening the emergency response in San Diego to consequently strengthen public safety, provide support to the San Diego County Fire Authority, support the professional development of San Diego County Fire’s employees, and help people in unincorporated communities prepare for disasters.
San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Dianne Jacob commented on the plan by stating, “We’re moving forward into another level of higher preparedness – not just for fire, but for any disaster that may occur in the region.”
This new plan could be considered as an addition to the Emergency Operations Plan already in place in San Diego County. In September 2018, the Board of Supervisors created the Emergency Operations Plan to help support all agencies in the county that respond to major emergencies and disasters.
The plan is very in-depth and covers all hazards that the county is potentially susceptible to. The list ranges from disasters such as earthquakes and wildland fires to nuclear-related incidents, terrorism, and tsunamis.
Jacob also disclosed that over the last 10 years, San Diego County has spent $500 million to help strengthen the area’s preparedness for any disasters.
During the new plan’s announcement, Supervisor Jacob commended Chief Fire Warden Ron Lane, the San Diego County Fire Program Director Herman Reddick, and CAL Fire Chief Tony Mecham for their support and assistance in creating the plan.
This plan is another of the many steps San Diego is taking to provide communities and the people living in them with the safety they deserve.
