Long Beach residents, mark your calendars for October 12, as the READY Long Beach Community Preparedness Expo is set to unfold at the Long Beach City College's Veterans Memorial Stadium parking lot. The free event, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., aims to equip the community with crucial knowledge and skills to handle natural disasters and emergencies.
Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the importance of the expo, stating, “This fun-filled, free event is an opportunity for our families and neighbors to come together and talk directly with experts, pick up resources and walk away with a plan they can put into action,” according to a press release. Over a dozen City departments and various disaster response agencies are going to participate, offering demonstrations and hands-on guidance to prepare effectively against unforeseen incidents. Attendees will also have the chance to purchase emergency food and supplies.
The expo will help citizens to learn how to accumulate necessary supplies like food and water, take actions to boost preparedness, and build evacuation and response plans. In addition, there will be information on how residents can engage with neighbors in disaster planning and recognize hazards in their living spaces. The event further offers a link to training and volunteer opportunities within the community.
Long Beach Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan reinforced the sentiment of readiness, stating, “READY Long Beach empowers our community with the knowledge and resources to respond confidently in emergencies. The Long Beach Fire Department is committed to this effort with every resident in building a safer, more prepared Long Beach," as found in the press release. Not merely a single day event, the expo also represents a pivotal moment in the city’s wider initiative to encourage ongoing preparedness, exemplified through a month’s worth of outreach for National Preparedness Month and the renewal of the 'Ready Your Long Beach Neighborhood' program.
Converging on the main stage at 11 a.m., city and community leaders are anticipated to deliver a welcome ceremony that highlights the collective effort in disaster readiness. To facilitate ease of access, complementary parking will be available at the venue. For more detailed information on the event, residents are encouraged to visit the Long Beach Fire Department and the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications websites. READY Long Beach will also precede the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill scheduled for October 16, promising an October focused squarely on ensuring the community's safety and preparedness.
