Jenna Stein recently joined the City of Poway as Disaster Preparedness Coordinator. A third-generation Powegian, she knows both the importance of preparedness in our community and the commitment of our residents to get involved.
As the Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, Stein coordinates activities associated with disaster preparedness, emergency management, and hazard mitigation plans. She supports the Poway Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program and Emergency Operation Center (EOC) functions, helps identify grant funding, and improves community disaster preparedness and resiliency through outreach, education, engagement, and empowerment.
What is your background (related to this position)?
I spent almost 9 years with CAL FIRE / San Diego County Fire. During that time, I wore many hats but eventually became the program manager for data analysis and strategic planning. One of my primary responsibilities was to assess hazards present in the community and identify what risk they posed. This community risk assessment was then used to ensure the proper level of service was being provided. Data has become so vital to decision making in the fire service and in emergency management. I am excited to see how those skills that I developed can be utilized to better protect and prepare the City and its residents.
Can you share a few details on your personal background?
My grandparents built a home in the Rattlesnake Canyon area of Poway in the mid-70’s and my family have lived in the area ever since. I grew up in Poway, attending Valley Elementary, before moving to Ramona for middle and high school. I’ve been back in Poway, living in my childhood home, since 2014 and am so excited to be raising my family in this community. Living on the east side of Poway I get to enjoy many of the famous trails and open space areas that make Poway the City in the country.
Why were you interested in applying for Disaster Preparedness Coordinator with the City of Poway?
I’m not going to lie – the change of commute was definitely appealing, but the tipping point in my decision was the challenge of applying everything that I have learned to the dynamic environment that Poway provides.
We have a lot of community members engaged in disaster/emergency preparedness in Poway. What is your perception of where we are at as a community in terms of our preparedness efforts?
Emergency preparedness is a never-ending cycle. It is not a set-it and forget-it activity. Our lives are constantly evolving, and the dynamics of our community are constantly evolving. Preparedness and education need to evolve with those changes. Poway is a very engaged community, and the spirit of volunteerism is unmatched in the county. I’m hoping to tap into those individuals to continue to spread and enhance the preparedness levels throughout Poway.
What goals do you have for yourself/your position as you get going?
There are so many great things happening in Poway when it comes to emergency awareness, preparedness, and education. My biggest goal is to make sure all those programs are working together to bring the greatest value to the community and ensuring those resources are readily accessible for all our residents.