The Valley Disaster Preparedness Fair Team received overwhelming positive responses from the many exhibitors, Neighborhood Councils, and especially the visitors at this year’s Fair. Several improvements contributed to this, including a larger speaker and eating area tent, a vastly improved check-in and registration process, and designated rest areas within the Fair. The overcast morning and cool afternoon certainly helped. As is our tradition, it was all free.

Here are a few highlights:

Approximately 5,000 attendees representing

  • 98 cities and communities
  • 5 of 5 Los Angeles County Supervisorial District areas
  • 15 of 15 Los Angeles City Council District areas
  • 70 of 98 Los Angeles City Neighborhood Council areas

Over 55 exhibitor booths
20+ Neighborhood Councils staffed Outreach booths
70% attended the Fair for the first time; 23% previously; 6% did not indicate
2,000+ meals served
1,900 Family Emergency Preparedness Starter Kits packed with information and supplies distributed for free
150+ CERT appreciation gifts presented
139 Child ID kits processed
41 Units of blood collected (out of 53 potential donors)
Many exhibitors hosting booths for the first time at the Fair were impressed with our breadth and organization
5 excellent speakers, one in Spanish, on emergency and disaster preparedness
6 Ham Radio Technician, 1 General, and 1 Extra Class license exams passed (out of 10 taking the exam)
K6D (ham radio special event callsign) on the air at the Fair

See you next year!