Most people don’t think about emergency planning until one arises. But it’s better to plan ahead than wait for a crisis to hit, says Debbi McFall, Cal Poly Pomona’s emergency services coordinator.
Ask yourself: What’s the most efficient evacuation route in your home? Do you have a survival kit and where? Have you created an emergency plan with your family?
“Hurricane Katrina taught us a really big thing — the people who put in the effort, they are the most survivable. The people who waited for other people to help them didn’t fare as well,” McFall says. Without being alarmist or overly negative, McFall emphasizes the importance of planning ahead for individuals and families.
At the Emergency Preparedness Fair on April 10, the university community and local residents can learn about and begin preparing for emergency situations. Vendors, regional organizations and public safety officials will give safety and emergency information, as well as sell basic supplies for an emergency kit.
The fair will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at AGRIscapes, next to the Farm Store (4102 S. University Drive, Pomona). It is free and open to the public. Parking is available in Lot U for $5, the Farm Store has limited free parking, and campus shuttles are also available.
“If you remember only one thing please remember not to rely on someone else to take care of you in an emergency. Take responsibility and take initiative to plan for yourself and those you love,” McFall says.
The LA County Office of Emergency Management will provide details about the county’s response plan and emergency training. MEDIC-1 Ambulance Service will provide information about their First Aid and CPR training. Groups like the Salvation Army, Pomona CERT and Tzu Chi will share information on emergency planning and their relief services.
On the same day, the campus will hold two preparedness events geared toward students. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Los Olivos, students can get information about emergency planning and putting together a survival kit. At Vista del las Estrellas (Building 54), the fire department will provide fire extinguisher training. Also, Foundation Dining will give a cooking demonstration that emphasizes kitchen safety.
For more information about the events, contact McFall at dsmcfall@cpp.edu or (909) 869-6981.
(Top photo: Building Marshal Tambra Williams talks with food science student James Marin about emergency procedures April 26, 2011. Bottom photo: Police officers move into the engineering building during an active shooter drill May 23, 2008.)