Alden Miller, 3, was excited to hop into the pilot’s seat of the Upland Fire Reach air ambulance, one of four helicopters on display at the Emergency Expo. ‘It’s like a ‘helicopto wocket ship’ Alden said. Photo : Andrea Swayne
By Andrea Swayne
The city of Dana Point’s eighth annual Emergency Preparedness Expo on Saturday, Aug. 22 drew its largest crowd ever, said Mike Rose, director of disaster preparedness and facilities.
“It was our biggest and best so far, with the most emergency equipment and best attendance ever,” Rose said. “This was a make or break year and we put a lot into it. Based on the high turnout we are already planning next year’s event and plan to make it even bigger and better. We are also considering a venue change for next year.”
Although it’s difficult to count, as people arrive from every direction on foot and by car throughout the four-hour event, this year’s event drew an estimated 2,000 attendees, Rose said, based on the volume of giveaways and food sold.
“The city sponsors and is involved in a lot of special events throughout the year but this event is special, unique and important because it’s the only one that focuses on public safety,” Rose said. “Obviously we use all the emergency equipment to draw in kids and their families for a fun day, but more importantly, we are really trying to educate the public on how to get prepared for emergencies and protect their families and homes.”
Jessica Mitchell (left) and Stephanie Brown from Alert OC are all smiles passing out Preparedness Buckets to attendees of the Dana Point Emergency Preparedness Expo. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Brayden Russell, 4, tries on Orange County Fire Authority equipment. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Brayden Russell, 4, tries on Orange County Fire Authority equipment. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Baron Banuelos, 9, hops aboard a United States Coast Guard Wave Runner. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Catherine Boston, 11 (center) and Elizabeth Boston, 8, talk with OCSD tactical flight officer Deputy Jer Kahala about his department’s helicopter. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Orange County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Brenda Ortiz introduces Search and Rescue K-9 officer Reese to Maverick Ray Cheney, 9, and Jordan Lepe, 4. Photo: Andrea Swayne
South Coast Water District Reclamation/Water Use Efficiency Supervisor, Larry Fregin gets a visit by his dad Lar at the SCWD booth. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Jack Frey, 2, talks ‘ambleeantses’ with EMT Evric Aragon. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Kelly Woolman lifts Olivia Woolman, 2, to get a closer look at the OCSD horses. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Kelly Woolman lifts Olivia Woolman, 2, to get a closer look at the OCSD horses. Photo: Andrea Swayne
CHOC demonstrate evacuation equipment for infants at the Dana Point Emergency Preparedness Expo. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Elias Abdullah, 2, meets K-9 search and rescue dog Reese. Photo: Andrea Swayne
This Upland Fire Reach air ambulance was one of four helicopters on display at the Emergency Expo. Photo : Andrea Swayne
Alden Miller, 3, was excited to hop into the pilot’s seat of the Upland Fire Reach air ambulance, one of four helicopters on display at the Emergency Expo. ‘It’s like a ‘helicopto wocket ship’ Alden said. Photo : Andrea Swayne
Alden Miller, 3, was excited to hop into the pilot’s seat of the Upland Fire Reach air ambulance, one of four helicopters on display at the Emergency Expo. ‘It’s like a ‘helicopto wocket ship’ Alden said. Photo : Andrea Swayne
South Coast Water Director Rick Erkeneff talks to Emergency Expo attendees about the district’s emergency water supply truck. Photo: Andrea Swayne
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter did a fly-by. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Expo attendees climb aboard a U.S. Coast Guard boat for a look around. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Hendrix Hughes checks out an Orange County Fire Authority truck at the Emergency Expo. Photo: Andrea Swayne
Orange County Fire Authority vehicles are always popular with Expo attendees. Photo: Andrea Swayne
The Orange County Fire Authority presented a demonstration of one of their ladder trucks. Photo: Andrea Swayne