Yuba County OES Planners Sara Baggett, left, and Communications Specialist Cassie Bryan display materials from the county’s “We’re Not Scared, We’re Prepared!” youth emergency preparedness program at Feather River Elementary School. The program recently received a 2025 California State Association of Counties Challenge Award for innovation. Photo courtesy of Yuba County Office of Emergency Services

YUBA COUNTY, CA - Yuba County’s Office of Emergency Services has received a 2025 California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Challenge Award for its youth emergency preparedness program, “We’re Not Scared, We’re Prepared!”

The annual California State Association of Counties awards honor counties for innovative, cost-effective programs that improve community services. Yuba County’s winning program launched during the 2024–25 school year and has already reached more than 1,200 first-grade students across 19 schools.

The curriculum introduces young children to practical disaster-readiness skills while building confidence to respond calmly in stressful situations. County officials said the early training helps strengthen household preparedness and empowers students with age-appropriate knowledge.

Students at Cedar Lane Elementary participate in a “We’re Not Scared, We’re Prepared!” emergency readiness lesson led by Yuba County Office of Emergency Services staff, part of the award-winning youth preparedness program that has reached more than 1,200 first-grade students this school year. Photo courtesy of Yuba County Office of Emergency Services

The award recognizes the work of the Office of Emergency Services team behind the program, including Manager Oscar Marin, Planners Sara Baggett and Elias Mendoza, and Communications Specialist Cassie Bryan.

More information about the program is available at BePreparedYuba.org.