California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, Calif., Sept. 9 - In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the Police department at CSU Channel Islands will be hosting a personal preparedness forum and fair to help individuals deal with emergencies that may arise. The forum and fair will take place on Sept. 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the South Quad of the campus. Students, faculty, staff, residents of University Glen, and the general public are encouraged to attend.

The forum provides an opportunity to hear preparedness professionals from the American Red Cross, Ventura County Public Health and the Citizen Emergency Response Team discuss important ways to be ready for an emergency.

With the threats of wildfires, earthquakes, and the H1N1 virus, individuals need to be prepared to take action, making a personal or family plan to deal with such contingencies in the home, neighborhood, workplace and school. They also need to create an emergency kit with appropriate supplies to get through the time when help may not be immediately available.

During September the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, sponsor of National Preparedness Month, is focusing on increasing public awareness on the importance of preparedness by working with local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector.

Disaster can strike quickly without warning – it may mean inability to get medical attention, disruption of basic services, or evacuation. These and other critical topics will be discussed at the forum by the CI Police Department and participating agencies. Various preparedness vendors will provide information on making an emergency plan and to demonstrate preparedness products. The CI Police Department has chosen to repeat the advice on the government website, www.ready.gov/america: “Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed and Get Involved.”

Limited parking is available on campus. A daily permit is $6. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot in Camarillo with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the CSU-CI VISTA Bus and the fare is $1 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

For additional event information contact Sgt. Jeff Cowgill at CSU Channel Islands at 805-437-2738 or jeff.cowgill@csuci.edu.