City of Malibu to Host First-Ever Safety and Preparedness Expo

By: Shivani Patel

The city will be hosting a Safety and Preparedness Expo on Sept. 29 for residents to learn about what to do in the case of an emergency—of any kind. The event wraps up Disaster Preparedness Month.

Residents will be able to sign up for a variety of classes. Offerings include:

* Crisis first aid

* Insurance 101—Earthquake

* Insurance 101—Fire

* First aid for kids

* Pet preparedness

* Active shooter [preparedness]

* Ready, set, go! Wildlife preparedness

* Hazard Mitigation Plan—community workshop

* Preparedness for seniors

The city recommends those interested to sign up as soon as possible; to register, visit malibusafety.eventbrite.com.

Attendees will also be able to check out live demonstrations and vendor booths. For example, an earthquake simulator will be on hand so residents can “experience the shaking you would feel during a 7.9 earthquake from the safety of a simulation trailer.”

Other local groups and agencies, including Malibu CERT Team, Corral Canyon Fire Safety Alliance, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department, and Malibu Urgent Care will have booths.

“As a professional firefighter, I know that emergency preparedness is our best defense,” Mayor Rick Mullen said in a statement shared by the city. “I hope everyone in Malibu takes advantage of the outstanding variety of resources and classes available in one place at the Expo to help prepare their family, home and community.”

The expo will take place all over City Hall, located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit malibucity.org/emergencyexpo.

The city is also continuing its test of the Disaster Notification System. Previously, the test was conducted over western Malibu and western central Malibu. Next week, the test will be conducted on eastern central Malibu on Sept. 19, followed by the final test on eastern Malibu on Sept. 26.