The Church of Scientology of San Diego hosted a disaster preparedness workshop September 12 in response to President Obama’s call for “individuals, families, and communities—including the private and nonprofit sectors—to do their part before an emergency.” The San Diego Office of Emergency Services, San Diego Humane Society Animal Rescue team and the Chamber of Commerce joined Scientology Volunteer Ministers at the future home of the Church of Scientology of San Diego on Parkway Drive in La Mesa, in a program to prepare local residents to protect themselves and their families, including pets, in times of disaster.

Lynette Hall, Director of the Churches of Scientology Disaster Response for San Diego County, pointed out that wildfires and earthquakes are simply facts of life in Southern California, and that county agencies cannot meet the immediate needs of every citizen after a major disaster: “Anyone could be without help from emergency or government agencies for seventy-two hours or even a week, so we all need to prepare ourselves and our families.”

Those attending learned the essentials of disaster preparedness including what food and water to set aside, how to store it, what are the necessary items for a first aid kit and how to cope with the threat of fire. They also learned how to plan for evacuation and reunite with family members who might not be home at the time disaster strikes. Each person attending received a copy of the Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Handbook, published by the Church’s of Scientology Disaster Response San Diego chapter.

The seminar also included a presentation by the Department of Animal Control and Humane Society on how to care for pets and ensure their safety in times of emergency.

David Meyer, President of the Church of Scientology of San Diego, acknowledged the community-wide effort to bring vital information to local citizens. “When we all work together we can improve the quality of life for all, just as we did during the 2007 San Diego fire storms,” he said. “Our Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, gave the Volunteer Ministers the motto: ‘Something Can Be Done About It.’  We are very pleased to be part of this initiative.”