Neighbors in South and Mid City Los Angeles spent an informative and fun-filled Saturday morning learning how to prepare for a potentially catastrophic natural disaster that could strike Los Angeles without warning.

The Mid City and the United Neighborhoods Neighborhood Councils provided financial support for the LAFD’s Disaster Awareness Course (DAC) which was held on September 27 at the Iglesia Cristiana Antioquia in the West Adams District.

NC Presidents Michael Sonntag and Jeff Camp and board members were very enthusiastic about the DAC and helping individuals, families, businesses, and communities to get prepared.

The event was so successful that several participants have followed up to see how they can stage a DAC or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course in their communities.

Larry Bogatz, LAFD’s Battalion 18 CERT Coordinator was on hand at the DAC to explain the Neighborhood Team Program (NTP) and to sign up individuals interested in pursuing that program, which is available to CERT- and non – CERT trained individuals. Bogatz was instrumental in helping the Disaster Preparedness Group (DPG) stage the highly successful DAC.

The DPG is a partnership of several South and Mid City block clubs and neighborhood associations; the Iglesia Cristiana Antioquia; Holman United Methodist Church; members of the Movement to Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA); and Ward AME Church’s Rosa Parks and Ward Villas senior housing complexes.

Experts at the Southern California Earthquake Center say the San Andreas Fault is likely to be the source of our largest earthquakes. More than 320 years have passed since the last major earthquake along the section from San Bernardino through the Coachella Valley to the Salton Sea. Another one is likely to happen along that section within our lifetime and will shake all of Southern California.

Captain Stacy Gerlich, a 28-year veteran of the LAFD, member of its elite Homeland Security Division and an expert in emergency preparedness taught the DAC. She stressed the need for individuals and families to have emergency plans and supply kits and to know how to get critical information after a disaster.

“People will need equipment and supplies to enable their families, loved ones and pets to survive for a minimum of 2 weeks,” Gerlich said.

The Saturday morning ‘early-risers’ (aka DAC participants) rolled out of bed to browse a display tent and tables filled with give-away items, survival gear and supplies, and educational material on emergency readiness, safety, first aid, CPR, and the ‘ups and downs’ of settling in earthquake country. Participants enjoyed an array of beverages, fruits, cheeses, breads and pastries—and a raffle of survival goodies.
The Southern California Gas Company and Charles Drew University sponsored the event.

Community partners and contributors included LAFD’s CERT and NTP; City Council President Herb Wesson and County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas; the County of Los Angeles; LAPD Wilshire and Southwest Divisions, Senior Lead Officers, and Community Police Advisory Boards; The Neighborhood News; Safe N’ Ready Emergency Supplies; My Safe LA; the Southern California Earthquake Center, and LA City Departments of Aging, DWP, and EMD.

The Iglesia received a special ‘shout out’ for its assistance in staging the DAC—which took place during its 50th anniversary—and for its partnership in staging the January – February 2014 CERT course, which graduated approximately 50 people.

The DPG extends its deepest thanks and warmest regards to everyone who contributed to the DAC.

For more information on the DPG, email DAC92714@gmail.com and/or join the Facebook page.