Louise Goudchaux of Santa Clarita took a Community Disaster Education class.  Here’s what she had to say:

We are confident and ready for the moment our services are needed in our community as disaster services volunteers, but are we prepared at home? Can we take care of ourselves and loved ones? On Tuesday March 10, most of us found out that we may not be as ready as we thought. We participated in a Community Disaster Education program presented by Jo Lasky, a Santa Clarita volunteer and community educator.

We had 38 volunteers, friends and family members attend our program. We divided into groups to share our knowledge of preparedness by discussing scenarios and questions related to house fires, wild fires, earthquakes at home and on the road, and winter storms. Any of these events could happen in our community, Santa Clarita. After working in our groups we shared out what we knew. Comments and discussions followed each presentation.

Highlights of our discussion included planning, practicing and drilling. We discussed having a pre-planned meeting place in case we need to leave our homes because of fire, and then having a back up in case our first choice is unsafe. Having fire drills for a family is critical so everyone knows what to do. We will then know that everyone in our family is safe and no one will go needlessly into a burning building. In case of earthquakes and wildfires, it is important to have an out of area family contact so a family can be reunited. Think about using the Safe and Well Program -a National Red Cross Link. Everyone will feel so much better knowing that everyone is all right. We were reminded to use our emergency brake if we are out on the road after stopping and parking as safely as we can. Having an emergency kit in the car, and having supplies accessible at home are critical to a sense of well being in a disaster. Three points were emphasized-make a kit, make a plan, and stay informed. We were reminded of things we need to know to make an environment safe for us and our families.

Our presenter showed us a variety of kits for the car, home and office to give us an idea of how to prepare our own. We also received a Community Disaster Education Folder packed with all the information we need to make a kit, make a plan and stay informed. We will better serve our community when we prepare at home with our families.  If you are interested in being a Community Education Presenter, please contact Anna Bourne at (310) 445-2664 to find out more.

Much thanks to Louise!

Tags: CDE, Community Disaster Education, disaster, emergency, prepare, preparedness, presentation