The Westside Center for Independent Living (WCIL) is sponsoring an emergency preparedness event this Friday, Oct. 18. The event will provide an opportunity to share valuable information that can protect vulnerable individuals and families during the most challenging circumstances. It takes place at the WCIL office at 12901 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles from 10 am to 2 pm. It is free and open to the public.
Lunch will be served to the first 150 attendees and raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the event.
Without warning, emergencies and disasters can occur, forcing people to leave or be confined in their homes.
Typically, seniors and people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by such events. They and their family members should make plans to protect themselves in the event of disasters. They must know how to work with first responders who often need to evacuate them safely and quickly.
In some instances, they must make their specific needs known to ensure that shelters are accessible to them based on their disabilities.
Participants will learn about the basic steps recommended by FEMA and the Red Cross for persons with specific access and functional needs.
Experts in disaster preparedness will be available to share information and answer questions. They will include representatives from the County of Los Angeles, Office of Emergency Management; the County of Los Angeles, Emergency Preparedness Public Health Nursing; the County of Los Angeles, Department of Mental Health; the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department; the City of Los Angeles Department on Disability; the City of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department; Department of Water and Power; Southern California Edison; The Southern California Gas Company; American Red Cross – Los Angeles Region and the Santa Monica Office of Emergency Management.
The Westside Center for Independent Living helps people living with disabilities maintain self-sufficient and productive lives through non-residential peer support services and training programs.
To RSVP, call 310.390.3611.
