How prepared are you to deal with a future disaster?

When a disaster strikes, it can take people by surprise. Often, most people are not prepared for such a disaster.

Our region itself is home to a number of potential hazards, including wildfires, floods, earthquakes, extreme heat and more.

This year, several fires have already broken out in San Diego County and across the state. Firefighters are on the ground putting out the blazes.

A recent KPBS report found that Chula Vista is at risk of a major wildfire. An emergency document that is part of a countywide plan and was updated last year says much of the risk comes from canyons in the eastern half of the city. The document also notes that a major fire could affect more than three-quarters of the city.

Earlier this year, San Diego residents were caught off guard by a disaster of a different kind: a major storm hit the city on January 22. Within hours, the rain caused historic flooding and left behind massive damage. Several people died, and hundreds more lost their homes, cars, and many other personal possessions.

Debris and mud left behind by Monday's storm are seen in this photo taken on January 23, 2024. San Diego, California. — Debris and mud left behind by Monday’s storm are seen in this photo taken on January 23, 2024. San Diego, California.

The torrential rains exposed long-standing inadequacies in San Diego’s stormwater management infrastructure, particularly in underserved neighborhoods that have been among the hardest hit.

The impact of rain and infrastructure deficiencies in underserved communities dominated a community conversation hosted by KPBS with community leaders and influencers in February of this year.

The discussion was supposed to focus on the high cost of living and its impact on voting. But community members instead expressed frustration at the neglect of low-income communities and heartbreak at seeing so many people caught off guard and suffering.

Their comments inspired the KPBS report on fire risk in Chula Vista and this call for input on preparing for potential disasters.

Firefighters from Chula Vista's new fuels team clear a section of overgrown lemon sumac in the canyon next to Kumeyaay Park on June 25, 2024. The three-year program launched in 2023 and focuses on the most dangerous canyons. — Firefighters from Chula Vista’s new fuels team clear a section of overgrown lemon sumac in the canyon next to Kumeyaay Park on June 25, 2024. The three-year program launched in 2023 and focuses on the most dangerous canyons.

KPBS wants to hear from you. How prepared are you for a disaster? What steps have you taken to prepare yourself, your family, your property, and your community? In the event of an emergency, do you have a plan, a network to help you? What is the priority for emergency preparedness? Or are there competing priorities? What resources do you use? What affordable measures do you know of? What tips and recommendations can you share with others who are also at risk?

Share your answer in the form below. KPBS may use it in future reports.