Newport Beach residents learned how to bandage injuries, communicate via ham radio and pack an emergency kit at the 3rd Annual Newport Beach Disaster Preparedness Expo on Saturday.
Community Emergency Response Team volunteers talked with visitors about what to do in case of an emergency and handed out information on disaster preparedness. They also chatted with participants about what it takes to become a CERT volunteer. Newport Beach lifeguards were also on hand to teach visitors proper first aid techniques, how to control bleeding and how to properly remove gloves.
The event comes during National Disaster Preparedness Month and right before this year’s CERT classes begin.
The event, held at the Newport Beach central library, featured 10 informative booths and three vendors. The expo averages between 800 and 1,000 visitors every year, said Newport Beach’s Emergency Services Coordinator, Katie Eing.
To find out more about emergency preparedness and learn about the CERT program visit www.newportbeachca.gov.