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Corps responds to Dana Point Emergency Preparedness Expo

Published Aug. 27, 2012
Alex Watt, a first responder licensed to drive the District's new Emergency Command and Control Vehicle, describes equipment in the vehicle and how the Corps responds to natural disasters during the Dana Point Emergency Preparedness Expo held Aug. 25.

Alex Watt, a first responder licensed to drive the District's new Emergency Command and Control Vehicle, describes equipment in the vehicle and how the Corps responds to natural disasters during the Dana Point Emergency Preparedness Expo held Aug. 25.

DANA POINT, Calif. – The City of Dana Point hosted its annual Emergency Preparedness Expo here Aug. 25 to educate the public about how to prepare for a disaster and to exhibit the assets provided by government agencies, public utilities and private organizations in the event one occurs. For the last several years, the Los Angeles District has been among the agencies taking advantage of that opportunity to interact with the public on an informal basis and explain where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers fits in.

Anne Hutton, chief of the District’s Emergency Management Office, and Alex Watt, a rehired annuitant licensed to drive the District’s new Emergency Command and Control Vehicle, hosted visitors throughout the day, describing the ECCV’s equipment and operating capabilities and explaining the Corps’ FEMA-assigned responsibilities in the event of an emergency response.

Among the participating agencies were electric, power and water supply agencies that provided information about how to prepare a home for a natural disaster and what steps to take in the event one occurs. The expo included agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection, California Highway Patrol, local sheriff and police departments and medical and first responders, most of which provided static displays of fire engines, tactical response vehicles, watercraft and helicopters, all open for public tours.

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