ESCONDIDO–You will never know when the next disaster strikes.

Palomar Health hosted the 3rd annual Disaster Preparedness Fair on September 15 on the north lawn at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido. The free event was open to public.

Attendees learned valuable tips on disaster preparedness to help their family, friends and neighbors in the event of a disaster.

Industry experts were onsite to provide information on protecting homes against wildfires and earthquakes, and where to take your animals if you have to evacuate your home.

An earthquake simulator gave visitors an experience of intense shaking of an 8.0 tremor in the world’s largest mobile earthquake simulator. They also got hands-on experience putting out small fires and become empowered to help in a bleeding emergency through the Stop the Bleed Campaign.

Other activities included the Escondido Police Department K9 demonstrations, a display of the Escondido Fire Department vintage 1926 fire engine, free giveaways, food trucks, flu shots, and personal preparedness items for sale.

The San Diego Blood Bank accepted blood donations outside the entrance of the medical center.