Press Release: City of Burbank Coordinates Disaster Response Training with American Red Cross

Burbank, CA (June 15, 2023) – On Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Parks and Recreation Department, in coordination with the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region and the San Gabriel/Pomona Valley Chapter, will conduct a Disaster Action Team and shelter response exercise in the City of Burbank. This training exercise will take place at the Joslyn Adult Center, located at 1301 West Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91506. The Joslyn Adult Center will be closed to the public during this time. 
 
"The City of Burbank is excited to partner with American Red Cross to offer an opportunity for approximately 60 regional disaster volunteers and key City staff to conduct a shelter response exercise, simulating a true emergency response scenario. This training will provide volunteers and staff with the vital skills necessary to support our community in the event of a local or regional disaster,” said Marisa Garcia, Director of the Burbank Parks and Recreation Department.
 
During the Disaster Action Team shelter response exercise, volunteers will examine case studies and scenarios and identify the various phases of the Sheltering Cycle: Opening, Organizing, Operating, and Closing.
 
The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. Responding to more than 60,000 disasters across the country every year, the American Red Cross provides comfort and hope to people during what can be the worst days of their lives. Large disasters such as floods and wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity, resulting in more displaced and vulnerable people who need support. In what has become a chronic disaster environment, training for Disaster volunteers is more important than ever. Moreover, American Red Cross shelters, feed, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood donations; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la, cruzrojaamericana.org, or on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.

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