The CSUN Department of Police Services held an Emergency Preparedness and Crime Prevention Expo on Cleary Walk across from University Hall yesterday for students to come out and see many different crime prevention and emergency preparedness exhibitors and vendors.
‘This is the third year in a row we are doing this,’ said Daniel Foster, crime prevention coordinator of the CSUN police services. ‘We are combining the crime prevention and emergency preparedness this year to broaden the spectrum of resources available.’
CSUN’s student health center was on site with many various first aid kits to show the students that they are capable of handling any emergency.
‘We want to show that the health center is prepared for any kind of emergency,’ said Jody Sawyer, who is part of the emergency management team.
The Los Angeles Police Department, Devonshire division was also at the event to showcase their programs and promote meetings the residents of the surrounding community can attend to make the area safer.
‘We are here to outreach to the community and provide information and let the community know of the different services,’ said Kathy Bennett, Sr. lead officer of LAPD’s Devonshire division.
Officer Bennett provided information on e-policing, which allows Sr. lead officers, area captains and detectives e-mail newsletters, crime trends and other important information to the community.
Many crime prevention corporations such as LoJack were on site to provide students with information on recovering vehicles and personal items such as laptops after they have been stolen.
Tim Whisenhunt of LoJack Law Enforcement said he trains and assists police officers with all of the devices and equipment used in recovering stolen items.’
The CSUN Department of Police Services invited LoJack to the event becausee they use the LoJack system.
The emergency preparedness programs at the event were to provide students with information on what to have and do during any type of natural disaster such as an earthquake or a hurricane.
April Kelcy of Earthquake Solutions had many earthquake preparedness kits for sale in case a disaster was to strike.’ However, Kelcy didn’t focus just on earthquakes but on many other topics as well.
‘I have been asked question about other disasters such as fires, floods and even couple question on the swine flu,’ said Kelcy.
Emergency Disaster System was also there to sell their earthquake grab and go packs, as well as raise awareness of the different kinds of disasters that can occur.
‘My business is to promote emergency preparedness,’ said Noel Cobos, emergency management specialist. ‘And the goal is to make everyone prepared and aware whether you are with my company or another company, just as long as you’ll be safe at the end.’
Cobos said he has seen many cases where people have lost houses or even loved ones because they were not fully prepared for the disaster.
‘Pain is not avoidable but misery can be,’ Cobos said.
The students on hand at the event found the Emergency Preparedness and Crime Prevention Expo very informative and were glad they had the opportunity to talk to some of the officers.
‘They were offering drug advisement,’ said Jose Garcia, senior, liberal studies major. ‘I have some family members on drugs and want to help them, so hopefully now I can.’
