Northridge Earthquake Reminds Residents Preparedness Training is Available

San Fernando Valley residents, as well as all of Southern California, were reminded Jan. 17 of the 20th anniversary of the Northridge earthquake.

Members of the American Red Cross, Map Your Neighborhood and respective Hollywood and North Hollywood community police advisory boards (CPAB) have collaborated to bring emergency preparedness training for Studio City residents.

As it was pitched to the Studio City Residents Association in November, the Studio City Neighborhood Council heard from Julia Bricklin from the Red Cross and LAPD NoHo CPAB at its Jan. 15 meeting about the training.

"We've had the Northridge earthquake in our minds recently," she said. "Another one can happen again."

It can take up to three weeks for first responders to get to your home, she added, and with a little guidance from their presentation, it provides all the steps to take in the wake of a disaster of that scale, including how to maintain yourself and those around you.

Bricklin said residents with generators, radios and propane tanks will be important to communicate with.

"Plumbers will be in high demand," she added, noting the need to give the elderly, disabled and children first priority.

In a 90-minute meeting, the American Red Cross & LAPD will teach:

• The nine steps to take immediately following a disaster.
• Develop a neighborhood skills and equipment inventory.
  
• Map Your Neighborhood and identify areas of concern such as gas meters, medically-trained, electricians, plumbers, generator, propane BBQ and radios.
• Verify which neighbors need extra help in a disaster such as the elderly, those with a disability, or children who may be home alone.