WESTLAKE VILLAGE : Volunteers Sought for Disaster Response
The outpost city of Westlake Village is recruiting volunteers for a disaster response team, modeled after a successful program in neighboring Agoura Hills.
“Let’s face it,” said Councilwoman Kris Carraway, “we are on the edge of Los Angeles County, and when an earthquake or fire hits, we have found it important to be able to take care of ourselves until the Red Cross or Fire Department arrives.”
Anyone interested in learning about emergency preparedness or volunteering for a disaster response team is invited to a meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the First Neighborhood Community Center, 31830 Village Center Road.
Members of the Red Cross, Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Agoura Hills Disaster Response Team are expected to attend.
Carraway said the city hopes to recruit several residents who want to spearhead a group of up to 50 people, who will be trained in first aid, fire suppression, treatment of hazardous materials, radio communication and search and rescue.
The city also is seeking at least one ham radio operator to be trained to help the city in case of an emergency.
A similar program in Agoura Hills has sent dozens of trained volunteers door-to-door during recent fires and after the Northridge earthquake, looking for injured or trapped citizens, burning buildings and leaks.
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