(Washington, DC) The District of Columbia Emergency Management Agency (DCEMA) will conduct basic emergency preparedness training for residents of the District’s Latino community at an Emergency Response and Planning Fair scheduled for 10 am to 2 pm, Sunday, June 13, 2004, at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 16th Street and Park Road, NW.
DCEMA Director Barbara Childs-Pair said the event is designed to introduce the Latino community, particularly those members who are not fluent in English, to the fundamental concepts of basic emergency preparedness. “Although we have provided Spanish-language copies of our Family Prepared Guide to large numbers of Spanish speaking residents, many others still have not been exposed to the kind of basic emergency preparedness information that will help them prepare for, respond to and recover from an emergency,” she said. “This event will help close that gap and, hopefully, provide those who attend with an incentive to learn more about personal and community preparedness.”
In addition to DCEMA, participating agencies will include the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD); the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, including the HAZMAT (hazardous materials) unit ((FEMS); the Department of Health (DOH); Serve DC, including DC Citizen Corps; the Department of Human Services (DHS); the Department of Mental Health; the DC Energy Office and the Office of Latino Affairs (OLA).
Between 10 am and 12 pm, attendees will have the opportunity to talk to agency representatives and receive information about the District’s community emergency management plans, evacuation routes and preparedness training opportunities. At 12 pm, the FEMS HAZMAT unit and the MPD Special Operations Division will conduct demonstrations, followed at 1 pm by a panel discussion featuring
representatives from all participating agencies. The discussion will conclude with a question and answer session. Spanish-language interpreters will be present to translate. Persons seeking more information should contact JC Cruz at (202) 673-7695.