City emergency prep expo Sept. 27

The City of Arcadia is proud to host its First Annual Emergency Preparedness Expo from 1 – 5 p.m. this Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Arcadia Community Center, 365 Campus Drive.

L-R: Barry Spriggs, Arcadia Fire Department Battalion Chief/Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Arcadia Mayor Gary Kovacic, Congresswoman Judy Chu, AUSD Superintendent David Vannasdall, Assembly Member Ed Chau

This event, announced this morning at the Arcadia Police Station’s Community Room, which serves as the Command Center too coordinate the activities of local agencies during emergencies, will strive to educate and empower the community on how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and prepared in the event and aftermath of an emergency or disaster. Congresswoman Judy Chu said the Expo will focus on three stages: Prepare, Survive, and Recover. Admission is FREE and everyone is invited to attend this very important event. Mayor Gary Kovacic recalled the importance and value of such preparedness during the windstorm in December 2011 that destroyed so many trees and windows and knocked out power to much of Arcadia for an extended period. He noted that Southern California is statistically overdue for a major earthquake.

Featured demonstrations, displays, and workshops will include interactive presentations for kids, earthquake simulator station, fire extinguisher and emergency vehicle demos, Gold Line train safety education, and informational booths representing various local, state, and federal agencies and other organizations specializing in disaster preparedness and response. Free door prizes will also be drawn throughout the day and food trucks will be available on-site.

This event is made possible by the efforts and collaboration of the following organizations: American Red Cross; Arcadia Unified School District; Methodist Hospital of Southern California; Los Angeles County; and Offices of Assemblymember Ed Chau, and Congresswoman Judy Chu.

Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Being Ready starts with you! Taking steps now to effectively prepare for, protect against, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies of all types will go far in ensuring everyone’s safety.

For additional information on the Expo, contact the Arcadia Fire Department at (626) 574-5100.