Residents Get Prepared at SB County Survivor Expo

Glen Helen Regional Park was swarming with survivors last Saturday at the county’s first Survivor Expo. In the effort to promote disaster preparedness to county residents, the fair boasted dozens of informational and activity booths with the goal of providing the opportunity for visitors to prepare themselves better in the case of natural disaster. With free admission, hundreds showed up throughout the day to participate in disaster plan and survival workshops, see campground demos, participate in tent-pitching activities, and participate in raffles and other merchandise giveaways. Children also had the opportunity to learn in fun ways, with a kid’s zone that featured various games, prizes, photos with Reggie the Raccoon, junior fishing at the pond and performances by YouTube sensation Twinkle Time. San Bernardino County Supervisor for the Fifth District Josie Gonzales, whose office was heavily involved, alongside the San Bernardino County Recreational Parks division, in the planning and the execution of Saturday’s event shared that while fun, the expo was meant to provide long-lasting benefits to county residents. “The benefits [of a survivor expo] are long-term and immeasurable,” Supervisor Gonzales said on site Saturday. “We are saving lives in the event of a natural disaster. We’re on the calendar for a natural disaster—when exactly it will occur, we do not know, but we have a responsibility to be prepared,” she said. Taking an involved approach was one of the overall goals of the expo event, said Adrian Cole, a youth services coordinator with the Regional Parks Department, and the event coordinator. “One of our general goals was to educate the public in a very practical manner and be hands-on through workshops. We didn’t want this to be solely an event where people were receiving [just] literature,” he said. “And often times at these events, there’s nothing for the kids. We feel that that is a population that needs to be educated, as well as the adult population.” San Bernardino County Regional Parks Director Keith Lee stressed that disaster preparedness is essential. “We believe it’s not a matter of if we have the next disaster, but when,” he said. “The community has to be prepared.” Lee pointed out that Saturday’s expo was the result of the tragedy of several other natural disasters throughout the years, referring to Hurricane Katrina and the tsunamis in Japan in 2010 as some reasons why the expo came about. “We felt very strongly in working with Supervisor Gonzales that we should do something to help people prepare, and let them know how they can minimize loss if help cannot come right away.” Taking a look around at the participation in the event, the first of its kind for San Bernardino, Gonzales shared that she was proud of the participation, because it highlighted the self-sufficiency of the residents. “To me, seeing that people have come out and are taking the initiative to learn how to survive in a disaster is evidence that our residents are determined to be self-sustaining and self-reliant, and we need to encourage every single resident to find the value in being prepared, so they can in turn help their children, help seniors, help the incapacitated, and allow for a quick recovery,” Gonzales commented. Residents like Karyn Baxter, a San Bernardino City resident of 22 years who came out to the fair with her 7-year-old son, Sam, said she found the expo to be of benefit. “It’s very interesting. I haven’t been to something like this before. I’m just trying to get organized in case something happens, and there are a lot of good products and information here today, and that’s something I can teach Sam, too,” she said. “I think it’s a fun-filled family event that also allows families to get involved and educate themselves on disaster preparation,” said Victoria Hall, a mental health specialist with the Public Information Office of the County’s Department of Behavioral Health. Chris and Carrie Caronna, residents of Rosina Ranch, agreed. “I think it’s good to pay attention to the possibility of disaster, and be concerned,” said Chris. “I’d like to see more of it,” he said of the county’s steps toward disaster preparedness and safety. Supervisor Gonzales shared she hopes the same. “This event is sort of a pilot, and we’re hoping to continue this event,” she said. “We’re listening to the things that people like and what they’d like to see more of, with the goal of sending a stronger message at each time that we are prepared.”