Runners ‘Race to be Ready’ in Rancho Mirage

The City of Rancho Mirage Emergency Preparedness Commission hosted its second “Race to be Ready” Sunday morning.

More than 300 people attended the all-day expo and early-morning 5K race.

The city calls the event a healthy, educational, family-oriented, community activity to ensure every resident, HOA, visitor, school, country club and business is fully prepared for future area emergencies.

“It’s showing you how you can put together a kit for earthquakes and they’re taking your heart rate,” explains fourth grader Giavanna Frachi as she completed her first 5K, “I think it’s super cool!”

At the R2BR Expo and Forum, attendees learned not only the why and how, but the ease of emergency preparedness.

“We really want to promote people having the ability to be prepared for a week or two, or even learn the tools, especially in an earthquake — especially in your house,” says race director Dr. Paul Copskey. “You need to be able to secure things because that what will end up harming you, and how injuries happen in an earthquake.”

Participants experienced an 8.0 earthquake in a Quake Trailer, and practiced a real-life fire drill in a Smoke Trailer. The Red Cross, a CERT trailer and 2 Emergency Operations Centers provided additional life savings tips.

“We are not preaching gloom and doom,” laughs Rancho Mirage Mayor Iris Smotrich, “we want people to feel confident that this is the best way to have a great mindset – you know can you protect yourself and those around you.”

KESQ and CBS Local 2 are sponsors of this event.