What is MDP?
Mountain Disaster Preparedness (MDP) was founded in 1986 to address the unique challenges of living in and visiting our “Island in the Sky” and recognizing the potential emergency concerns of a mountain community. Over the years MDP has established an infrastructure that, when activated, can provide support to first responders in their efforts during an emergency.
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, the Pine Cove Home Owner’s Association and the Stonewood Property Owners Association.
MDP also has two FCC licensed radio repeaters to support our communications network of 40 hand-held volunteer radio operators strategically positioned in all areas of the mountain. They will report first-hand observations during an emergency situation.
Medically, MDP is capable of providing first aid assistance to each of our disaster aid stations and care for more severely injured at an advanced treatment area (ATA) soon to be relocated to new facilities at Town Hall.
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 Emergency Management Department (EMD), 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.
Membership
Membership in MDP is FREE to all. By filling out the form below, you will be added to our membership (currently over 600) and receive information on our yearly community meetings, our activities, training opportunities and newsletter. If you have any trouble with the form below, please email membership coordinator Cathy Lopez at [email protected].