High School Student Help Shape Emergency Preparedness In This Bay Area County

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Local high school students offered a fresh perspective, reshaping how San Mateo County will approach emergency preparedness for its youngest residents, county officials said Monday.

The San Mateo County Emergency Management team invited students form Mercy High School to participate in a recent wildfire preparedness event.

"The students were well prepared to have the conversation, spoke thoughtfully and confidently and provided unique insights and suggestions for future programming that otherwise would never have been unearthed," said Dr. Shruti Dhapodkar, director of San Mateo County's Department of Emergency Management.

Here are some of the lessons the students unearthed:

Preparation isn't just for homeowners. Students challenged the assumption that emergency preparedness primarily targets property owners, noting that renters and young people also "want to be prepared and gain knowledge."

Location creates false security. Students recognized that "even if you believe fires are impossible, they could still occur" and "even if you reside in an urban area, your home could still catch fire." Their observations are shaping new communication strategies for residents in areas perceived as low-risk.

Preparedness reduces stress, not increases it. Students framed readiness as empowering, stating, "When you're prepared, every situation is a lot more stress-free." This reframes emergency communications from anxiety to confidence.

Community connection drives engagement. Students viewed preparedness as "bringing unity" and creating opportunities to "work with each other," suggesting social connection, not individual responsibility, motivates action.

"These creative approaches aren't optional extras in emergency management; they're essential bridges for building trust and connectedness across the whole community," said Nadine Baroudi, director of VPA at Mercy High School.