University Advancement

Public Relations and Strategic Communications

NEWS RELEASE

Cal State Northridge to Host Disaster Readiness Expo

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., March 8, 2007) — Having survived the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake, officials at California State University, Northridge have an appreciation for the term "disaster readiness."

University officials want to share with the community their knowledge about preparing for a disaster. They are inviting members of the public to join them for a Disaster Readiness and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Awareness Expo on Monday, March 12.

"This event provides an excellent opportunity for members of our community to better prepare themselves and their families in the event of a disaster," said CSUN Police Chief Anne P. Glavin.

"The 1994 Northridge earthquake proved that we can pull together during a crisis as a community and a strong-knit university to help each other in recovery," said Glavin, referring to the 6.7-magnitude quake that damaged or destroyed nearly every building on campus and caused massive destruction in the Los Angeles area, killing more than 50 people.

The expo is scheduled to take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Presentation Room of the Oviatt Library, located in the center of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

The event is expected to highlight the efforts by community agencies, including CSUN’s Police Department, to build strong relationships and create a cohesive response team to assist the campus and community in the time of a disaster. Representatives from the university, Los Angeles City Councilman Greig Smith’s office, the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles City Emergency Preparedness Department will discuss their efforts during a special noon presentation.

Several community agencies, including the American Red Cross, Los Angeles City Fire Department, Los Angeles City Emergency Preparedness Department and Cal State Northridge’s Police Department, will have representatives at the expo to answer questions, offer tips on preparing for a natural disaster or emergency and sell emergency preparedness supplies.

For more information, contact Kit Espinosa, emergency management and preparedness coordinator with Northridge’s Department of Public Safety, at (818) 677-5973.