LA PALMA : City Seeks Disaster Assistance Volunteers

The city is looking for volunteers, especially structural engineers, who can act as disaster assistance workers during a regional emergency such as a major earthquake.

The city would like to find out who is willing to help so volunteers could be deployed quickly after a disaster strikes, said Brigitte Charles, the city’s personnel director.

Although the city will need skilled workers after a disaster, Charles said, “if they’re just a warm body, we could use that, too.”

Some of the skilled workers who will be needed include plumbers, welders, clerks, veterinarians, ambulance attendants, bulldozer operators, cooks, civil engineers, drivers, or others who will help clear rubble and search for victims, she said.

The city has created a special form for residents to volunteer and list their skills.

The registration drive is the first time the city has tried to prepare a list of who might be available to help during an emergency, she said.

Registration is necessary in order for workers’ compensation insurance to cover the volunteers.

Residents may receive a registration form by calling (714) 522-6740 or visiting the La Palma Recreation and Community Services Department at Central Park, 7821 Walker St.