That’s the question Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs is asking residents during the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita that devastated communities along the Gulf Coast. The devastation was felt in households across the country as Americans watched TV news coverage of the hurricanes’ after effects, which left thousands of Gulf Coast residents stranded and without emergency aid for several days.
The eye-opening TV coverage made it clear to many that, due to lost communications, impassable streets and other factors, citizens may be on their own for an extended period of time before help arrives.
“The safety and well-being of our residents is our highest priority, so we want to do all that we can to prepare them in order to help reduce fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disasters,” Scruggs says. “Whether it’s a severe storm, a widespread power outage or an act of terrorism, it’s in our residents’ best interest to plan and prepare before a disaster strikes.”
Upcoming Event
To help residents prepare for man-made or natural disasters, including house fires, Scruggs is hosting the following event:
- Safety Fair & Fire Station Open House
8:30 a.m., January 21
Fire Station #158, 6261 N. 83rd Ave.
The Mayor's welcome and a brief safety program will begin at 8:30 a.m.
The event will enable residents to learn about the many city services and programs available to help them prepare and respond to emergencies, as well as how to create a home evacuation plan. There will also be demonstrations, such as how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
The safety fair and open house is part of Glendale’s ongoing CITY SAFE campaign that offers a variety of programs, activities and events to inform and educate residents on the safeguards they should take to better protect themselves both inside and outside their homes.
Sponsors
The free event is being made possible through the Office of the Mayor, APS, Arrowhead Hospital, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, Glendale Fire Department, Midwestern University and Southwest Ambulance.
An additional Safety Fair and Fire Station Open House is planned on:
- Saturday, March 18, Fire Station #159, 17159 N. 63rd Ave.
Residents are being asked to register for the upcoming events at www.glendaleaz.com/rsvp or by calling 623-930-2259. Community and youth groups are also welcome to attend.
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