Representatives from CEA participated in two emergency preparedness fairs organized by Assemblywoman Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), in coordination with Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara). The events took place in Ventura on April 28 and in Santa Barbara May 12.
Hundreds of families attended both events and received important and helpful information to be prepared in case a natural disaster occurs in their region. CEA staff shared details about how to reduce the risk of earthquake damage and loss by retrofitting homes and choosing the best earthquake insurance policy whether they are homeowners or renters.
Both informational fairs were organized following the recent massive Thomas fire in Santa Barbara in December 2017; the devastating floods that killed about 13 people and destroyed homes in Southern California, including in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in January and March 2018; and the most recent magnitude 5.3 earthquake recorded in the nearby Channel Islands on April 5.
Representatives from local enforcement agencies and the fire department also participated during the fairs, creating a closer bond with community members whom they serve during emergency situations. It is imperative to them that residents are ready to act during a crisis because resources may not be available or may not be enough to assist everyone at once or immediately. Check out CEA’s tips to prepare your home.