Expo will help residents prepare for disaster

Imagine it’s in the middle of a hot, dry afternoon in the fall and the Santa Ana winds are in full effect.

Firefighters are on their toes because it’s fire season when suddenly a massive earthquake rumbles thousands of feet below the city along the Newport-Inglewood fault line. Power lines fall, sparking fires in Bonita Canyon, and buildings are severely damaged or crumble. People everywhere are injured.

Would you be prepared?

That worst-case scenario is just what public safety officials want Newport Beach residents to be ready to survive, and are offering tips on how to do that Saturday at the Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., near Fashion Island.

“We want them to be able to take care of themselves for the first 72 hours after a major disaster,” said Matt Brisbois, disaster preparedness coordinator for the Newport Beach Fire Department. “I think in general, Newport residents are more prepared than most. But just like most people, everyone wants to do things to be prepared, but nobody ever gets around to it.”

Saturday’s first Disaster Preparedness Expo, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offers locals a chance to learn how to put together a survival kit to survive for three days, perform basic first aid and organize communities for a larger response to a disaster.

“It’s the first of its kind and we’re really proud of it,” said Katie Eing, emergency services coordinator. “September is national preparedness month, and we want to get all our residents and employees prepared.”

Residents will learn how to create a family emergency plan and can even buy a prepackaged disaster preparedness kit from vendors who will have booths set up at the expo. The event is welcome for people of all ages.

“It’s just a matter of taking care of a few basic things. The bigger step is just beyond your household, and how are all of you going to stay together for a couple days,” Brisbois said. “That’s the reality of it. In the worst-case scenario, there’s not really going to be anywhere to go. Some may be stuck for 24 to 48 hours. What are you going to do during that time?”

For more information on the event and how to prepare for a disaster, call (949) 644-3112 or e-mail [email protected].