WOODLAND HILLS—On Saturday, September 24, the Valley Public Response for Emergency Preparedness Task Force (VPREP) along with assembly member Bob Blumenfield (D-Woodland Hills) held an Emergency Preparedness Resource Fair & Workshop to better equip the community at large in the event of a disaster.

The event featured booths and displays sponsored by the American Red Cross, the California Highway Patrol, Encino Chamber of Commerce, Encino Neighborhood Council, Kaiser Permanente hospitals, Los Angeles Fire and Police Departments, the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, CERT and the Southern California Gas Company.

Workshops for the event included a Red Cross Emergency Preparedness PowerPoint presentation, a demonstration on proper first aid techniques and a puppet show designed to better inform kids on disaster readiness. Other workshops slated for the event included informing people on how to turn off water and gas, emergency planning for your pets, as well as proper use of a ham radio.

Several emergency items were on display for the event including a California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicle, a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) truck, a fire truck from the LAFD, as well as a vehicle from the LAPD. Kaiser Permanente has also donated 100 first aid kits to be given out at the occasion.

“We must prepare the Valley for future emergencies,” said Blumenfield. “First responders can be overwhelmed and be unable to help everyone in need after major disasters strike. A measure of self-reliance can save lives. This event will help our community members get the know how to care for their own and each other after an emergency."

Legislative co-sponsors for the fair are Congressman Howard Berman and Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz and will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Encino Community Center at 4935 Balboa Blvd.

Photograph is Courtesy: Bob Blumenfield's official website