Mountain Disaster Preparedness

What is MDP? 

Mountain Disaster Preparedness (MDP) is a community-based, volunteer organization that provides education, planning, logistics, training and support for residents and emergency responders in the communities of Idyllwild, Pine Cove, and Mountain Center.

MDP is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation composed of a board of directors and volunteers trained for disaster preparedness and response. MDP operations are funded by individual donations, corporate sponsorship, and agency and grants from organizations such as the County of Riverside and the Idyllwild Community Fund and the Pine Cove Home Owner’s Association and the Idyllwild Garden Club.

Major components of MDP’s disaster preparedness are our DAS (Disaster Aid Station) system. The mountain communities served by MDP are divided into eight areas, with a DAS in each area. Inside these steel cargo containers, volunteer emergency responders can access medical and hygiene supplies, search and rescue equipment, coordination and communication equipment, administrative supplies and a generator. The DAS units are intended as gathering, check-in locations for residents within areas affected by the disaster and are not intended as shelters per se. (The American Red Cross will open and maintain shelters within the communities, as needed.)

What disasters cause MDP to activate? 

The disaster scenarios that could trigger the Riverside County Office of Emergency Services (OES), IFPD, Sheriff or other similar agency to activate MDP /CERT include, but are not limited to, earthquake, wildfires,   severe weather, extended power outages and impassable road conditions.   Our responses to each scenario will vary depending on the need and the conditions but we are ready and trained to respond to assist our area here on the Hill.  In addition, MDP on its own recognizance will provide communication, and damage size up  as well as open the DAS units to assist our rather unique and isolated community.

How can you learn about how MDP works?

WE INVITE YOU TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND CONTACT US TO REQUEST A RESIDENT/VOLUNTEER FORM.  PLEASE BECOME A PART OF OUR ORGANIZATION TO HELP US ALL HELP OURSELVES TO
BE PREPARED