Expo to Teach Preparation for Disasters

Those who want to prepare for whatever natural disaster strikes the Southland next can learn about everything from earthquakes to killer bees at a safety expo today.

The Discover Preparedness Expo, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at College of the Canyons in Valencia, will offer emergency supplies and preventive tips for the area’s multitude of potential disasters, said Inspector Greg Cleveland of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

“Most people are probably not prepared for what types of emergencies we have out here,” he said.

Experts will give presentations throughout the day on Africanized honey bees, brush fires, floods, earthquakes and other topics, Cleveland said. He said visitors will be able to participate in many of the events, such as using a foam extinguisher to put out fires.

“Not many people get a chance to practice things like that,” he said.

Presentations aimed at youths include the Yogi Bear School House earthquake simulator and Pluggie, the talking fire hydrant. Non-emergency activities such as face-painting and food booths will also be featured.

About 30 vendors selling emergency supplies, including gas-powered water pumps, foam extinguishers and earthquake supplies, will also be at the expo, Cleveland said.

The first-year expo was put together by several county agencies, the American Red Cross and several private businesses, Cleveland said. Similar expos were held June 3 in Walnut and last weekend in Torrance.

College of the Canyons is located at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road. Admission to the expo is free.