Citizens learn emergency preparedness at ESCA workshop

Patrick Ducey works with a participant
to put out a fire in a live fire exercise.
Photo by Laurell Sprague, ESCA

By Patrick Ducey

On May 9, the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) conducted a workshop on emergency preparedness at Northshore Fire Station 51. The workshop was a mixture of classroom and hands-on training on being prepared for when disaster strikes. ESCA team members demonstrated both how to be prepared for an emergency, and what to do after a disaster.

Kim Sharpe, Nathan Proudfoot and John Clark
demonstrate the proper method of lifting
 and cribbing fallen debris to safely extract a trapped survivor.
Photo by Laurell Sprague, ESCA

Probably the most significant disaster we should all be prepared for in this region is earthquake. We have all heard about the recent events in Nepal, and around the Pacific. This region could also suffer through the same fate. Making preparations now will help you and your family survive not only an earthquake disaster, but the more common events like windstorms, and power failures.

Tom Hawkins demonstrates how to shut off
household utilities during an emergency.
Photo by Laurell Sprague, ESCA

If you are interested in taking a class on emergency preparedness, the City of Shoreline offers a free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class in the fall. ESCA conducts a CERT class three times a year. Contact your local City Emergency Management Office for details. ESCA is planning on another Emergency Preparedness workshop to be conducted in October.