Local News in Brief : Costa Mesa : Education Staff Shows Readiness for Quakes

Like good Scouts, the workers in the Orange County Department of Education showed Tuesday they know how to “be prepared” in case of an earthquake.

In a contest conceived by Robert Peterson, county superintendent of schools, employees of the department made up car kits of equipment to be used in case of an earthquake emergency. The kits, which included such items as first-aid supplies, flares, food, water and comfortable shoes for walking, are to be kept in each employee’s personal car.

“Since April is earthquake preparedness month, I wanted to have something to involve the employees in a significant way,” Peterson said, “so we had this contest. The Red Cross judged the car kits, which we had on display, and there will be small prizes to the top winners.” The winners will be announced at a departmental staff meeting May 2.

Curtis Stephan, risk manager for the department, said he thinks it would be wise for all car owners to put similar supplies in their car trunks in case of an earthquake. Stephan said that in a major earthquake, motorists might find themselves stranded on a blocked highway miles from home.