LA HABRA : Quake Preparedness to Be City Hall Topic

Earthquake preparedness will be discussed during a presentation at city hall on Thursday night, officials said.

Michael Lee, senior city building inspector, said the presentation will begin at 7 p.m. and will include slides, videos, instructions on preparing an emergency kit and a demonstration of how to close a gas valve.

The session will be held in the council chamber at 201 E. La Habra Blvd. The formal presentation will last about 75 minutes and will be followed by a discussion.

During three days following the Oct. 17 earthquake in San Francisco, the city of La Habra distributed more than 350 copies of a 32-page booklet entitled “Earthquake Preparedness.” Additional copies will be available at Thursday’s presentation.

Lee explained that the Bay Area quake has led to modifications in the presentation, which he and Police Community Relations Officer Cindy Knapp have been making for the past five years.

“When you first leave home or work after an earthquake,” Lee said, “take emergency provisions with you. You may not be able to get back into the building due to structural damage.”

Since local phone services are likely to be disrupted, Lee suggests that a friend or relative be identified outside the area to act as a relay station for calls.

“It is much easier to make a long-distance call out of the area than to call locally. Parents should have their children call a relative in another state, then the parents can call and get the message,” he explained.

Community members who are unable to attend Thursday’s meeting may pick up booklets at City Hall.