Nearly 100 people showed up at the Royal Oak Mobile Home Park to get information on how they can be better prepared in the event of a major disaster.
The event was organized through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the West County division that covers the cities of Los Alamitos, Cypress, La Palma, Buena Park, Westminster and Seal Beach. The day started with a lunch and then members of Orange County Fire Authority and Los Alamitos Police Department spoke to the group about procedures in major emergencies.
Of note about what happens in the event of a major disaster, an earthquake being a prime concern in Southern California, is the fact that help might not be readily available, even from local services. OCFA firefighters from Station 2 in Los Alamitos, explained that they have procedures they are required to follow and area that must be checked first in the event of a major emergency.
Station 2 Firefighter/Engineer Brian Pohl told the group that even if someone is standing in the street waving them down, chances are they might have to drive right past them. In fact the chances are pretty high that that is exactly what they will do, Pohl said.
“We have procedures set in place, just like you should have procedures in place,” Pohl said.
The event was part of the CERT Neighbor 4 Neighbor program that goes around to various neighborhoods to educate people on how to help each other in crisis situations. Los Alamitos Police Sergeant Rick Moore was also on hand to offer advice.
Moore said that not only is it important to know your neighbors in the event of a major crisis, but that in general it is best to be familiar with each other to note when things might be suspicious.
“You guys know each other, if you don’t you need to get to know each other,” Moore said.
Neighbors will often be the best crime stoppers if they notice that something is out of the ordinary with their neighbors. The event also allowed people to have their fire extinguishers checked, and P.P.E. Suppliers of Los Alamitos was on hand to show residents the types of emergency supplies that are available for homeowners.
Some things to consider are keeping aisles in your home clear. Furniture used as décor in hallways could impede someones ability to get out of the home quickly. Stairs and steps should also be kept in good shape. Also, safety for yourself first, before looking to help others is important. Trying to help someone beyond your ability could end up making the situation worse for first-responders when they do arrive.
The event was organized by Royal Oak Homeowners President Fred Billets, who worked with Cypress resident and CERT member Loree Erperling, to set up the event. Also on hand to offer information were representatives from Southern California Edison and the Seal Beach Police Volunteers Association. For more information on CERT and the training it offers, visit www.westcountycert.com.