Emergency Response Program Expands

The Calabasas Emergency Response Program, formed soon after the Northridge earthquake, has made strides in preparing residents for disasters.

But after two years of work, its volunteers realized they should not restrict their efforts to those who live in Calabasas.

“We had everything covered, but then thought, what happens if the emergency occurs during the day and suddenly we have all these people here who work in Calabasas and suddenly become a part of Calabasas?” said coordinator Brenda Becker, a pharmacist who works at the Medicine Shoppe but lives in Woodland Hills.

CERP’s goal is to make sure the city can be self-sufficient for at least three days, “because Calabasas is a very isolated community, with only four or five roads out of town,” Becker said.

To that end, CERP keeps three small trailers full of emergency supplies, including water, medicines and first aid equipment. Several area doctors have agreed to meet at these trailers if they cannot get to their own hospitals, to set up pseudo emergency rooms. And CERP volunteers have been trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic first aid.

But so far, Becker has encountered some resistance among people who work, but do not live, in the city. She said as memories of the earthquake fade, people become complacent.

“[Organizers] warned me about this,” she said. “It’s hard to get people to volunteer.”

Becker said she is looking for people who can coordinate efforts among businesses in their areas.

For more information, call Becker at (818) 223-8656.