Cal EMA Hosts Annual “Preparedness Educational Fair” and Press Event at California’s State Capitol
- The California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) and more than a dozen local and state emergency response and disaster preparedness agencies hosted the Annual “Preparedness Educational Fair” at the State Capitol today from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. It is estimated that hundreds of citizens visited the information booths to learn how to prepare themselves, their families and their communities for disasters in a dynamic, hands-on setting.
“It is encouraging to see so many Californian’s embrace the preparedness message and take advantage of events such as this to learn how to be disaster prepared,” said Cal EMA Secretary, Matthew Bettenhausen. “I am especially grateful to our first responders and response agencies for participating in this cause and helping us keep California ready. The resiliency of our state depends on all Californians taking part in their own preparedness by using the steps described in our educational materials and outreach displays and asking questions of our first responders at the fair.”
Speakers at the 11:00 a.m. press conference included Secretary Bettenhausen, Darryl Madden, Director of FEMA’s Ready Campaign, and Dawn Lindblom, CEO of the Capital Region Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed September as “California Preparedness Month” on September 1. In the proclamation the Governor stated, “When Californians take important precautions such as making sure our homes are fire-ready or equipped to handle earthquakes, we can all be more prepared for the real harm a disaster can bring.”
Participants in today’s event included: Cal EMA California Department of Public Health Department of Homeland Security FEMA Ready Campaign BloodSource CalVolunteers Sacramento CERT Elk Grove CERT Teen CERT Target Corporation Cal FIRE Noah’s Wish American Red Cross, Capital Region Chapter California Highway Patrol Medical Reserve Corps Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Program
To promote personal preparedness, Cal EMA, Target, CalVolunteers and the American Red Cross distributed preparedness kits and provided children’s activities to attendees.
Cal EMA is using Preparedness Month to remind and educate Californians about the realities of a disaster: emergency crews will first focus on those in greatest danger and in critical need of assistance. It is important that those who are able to do so look after themselves, their families and their neighbors by following the “10 Ways to Be Disaster Prepared”: 1. Identify your risk 2. Create a family disaster plan 3. Practice your disaster plan 4. Build a disaster supply kit for your home and vehicle 5. Prepare your children 6. Remember those with special needs 7. Learn CPR and First Aid 8. Eliminate hazards in your home and workplace 9. Understand post 9/11 risks 10. Get involved in your community, volunteer, and “bear responsibility”
To learn more about emergency preparedness please visit www.calema.ca.gov.
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