Jason Periard (top right) in attendance at the media launch event for Pledge to Prepare.
Looking for better ways to respond to disaster emergencies in L.A. county and surrounding areas, government and faith-based groups gathered to discuss the Los Angeles County Pledge to Prepare Campaign in Los Angeles on July 8.
Assistant general manager for L.A.’s Emergency Management Department Anna Burton addressed the possible disasters Los Angeles could experience, saying, “Los Angeles is prone to 13 of 16 possible natural and man-made disasters and threats.”
“The city is particularly vulnerable to the destructive effects of wildfires, flooding, mudslides, and earthquakes,” she continued. Because of the many threats that L.A. faces, the importance of readiness as a city and for residents cannot be overstated. Our department, the Emergency Management Department, was established in 2000 and is considered the ‘hub of the wheel’ because it manages the city’s response to and recovery from an emergency, crisis, disaster or significant event.”
Key for Immediate Human Response in an Emergency
“Knowing what actions to take before, during, and after a disaster is key,” said Los Angeles County Mayor Michael Antonovich. “The faith-based community and other community-based organizations are vital partners in our effort to prepare our county residents and empower them with knowledge.”
Faith-Based Communities
Almost all speakers at the event discussed the value of faith-based emergency response. From block and street captains, down to families and locating their members, uniting them is the purpose of faith-based community participation. The various faiths in a community work together and knit close relationships that already are natural. Fathers and especially mothers know where their children and their elderly are. This awareness can save lives.
Dr. Jannah Scott, deputy director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, personally recognized CSI for its innovative efforts in preparing the Jewish Community for both natural and manmade disasters.
The Los Angeles County Pledge to Prepare Campaign is one where teams in an area get together and plan for emergencies and who will do what, when, and how. This is the first and most important action in developing a “Prepared Community.”
On July 30, 2015, members of The Jewish Federation’s CSI Program attended the FBI’s 1st Annual InfraGard Gala Luncheon, held at Quiet Canon in Montebello, CA. The event was held in honor and recognition of the most dedicated members and partners of the InfraGard program. CFO of the Federation Ivan Wolkind, Director of CSI Jason Periard, and Associate Director Jason Dice attended the event along with approximately 60 other InfraGard Los Angeles Members. At the event, the Federation was recognized with the “Extraordinary Support” award for their support to the InfraGard program from 2014-2015. Also, Jason Periard was awarded the “Above and Beyond” Award in recognition for his volunteerism to develop programs that benefit InfraGard, and was also presented with an award for his work as the “Faith-Based” Critical Infrastructure Sector Chief.
Launched in 2012, our Federation’s Community Security Initiative (CSI) partners with local, state and federal agencies to assure the safety and security of all Jewish institutions in greater Los Angeles. CSI links institutions to a network of Jewish communal organizations and provides site assessments, emergency and disaster training, and special events that ensure that if a threat arises for any one location, we are all prepared.
For more information about CSI, please contact Jason Periard at CSI@JewishLA.org.
