The year 2020 was a devastating year of natural disaster events. The United States experienced 22 billion-dollar disasters in 2020, totaling approximately $93 billion in damages. California recorded 5 of its 6 worst wildfires, with 10.3 million acres burning across the country. There were 12 tropical storms that made landfall in the U.S., along with several tornado outbreaks and severe storms. All the while, the COVID-19 pandemic spread throughout the world at an unprecedented speed, costing the lives and safety of many. 
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2020 taught us a lot. Even now, the importance of being prepared is engrained in us all. Thinking ahead about a possible disaster is unnerving, and it can be difficult to know where to start when getting supplies, but it is crucial in the event of an emergency.  For some disasters you will need to evacuate with little to no notice, while others can require you and your loved ones to stay put and wait things out. You should be prepared for either eventuality, and have the right supplies ready for each situation. Our guide will break down what to pack in a to-go bag when you have to leave at a moment’s notice, and how to supply a stay-box, in the event that you need to shelter at home.​

We are excited to introduce three new interns who will be working with us this Winter Quarter. They are all attending the University of California, Santa Barbara and earning their Minor in Poverty, Inequality and Social Justice. Read on to learn about them and what they will be working on this quarter.