Media Advisory

• Tweet

Monday, October 6, 2014

WHAT

Volunteers are needed for an emergency-preparedness exercise organized by the City of El Cerrito and Contra Costa Health Services. The exercise will simulate local emergency response to a large-scale bioterrorism incident that requires a large number of people receive medication. The exercise will include a mock "point of dispensing site" where life-saving medication would be distributed to the public.

WHO

Anyone 18 and older can participate, and people of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to volunteer. Volunteers are needed to play the role of disaster service workers staffing the site and "mock clients" seeking medicine.

Volunteers playing the role of disaster service workers will need to attend training before the event.

Volunteers playing the part of "mock clients" are needed for the day of the event and no training is required. Groups and families are encouraged to participate, as are people with limited English proficiency and those with access and functional needs. The goal is to make the exercise as representative of our community as possible.

WHEN:

The exercise is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday, November 20. Free continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Volunteers serving as disaster service workers must attend one 90-minute training on Nov. 5 or 13. Webinar training will also be available Nov. 12. Call for more information.

WHERE:

Preregistration is required by Nov. 5. Trainings will be held at El Cerrito City Hall. The drill will be in El Cerrito, with the location provided to registrants.

HOW:

For more information or to volunteer, call Suzanne Iarla at 510-215-4318. Volunteers may also sign up online at www.el-cerrito.org/nov2014exercise

# # #