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August 17, 2002
Harman Hosts Community Forum To Teach South Bay Residents
About Terrorism Preparedness
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MANHATTAN BEACH - Rep.Harman returned to Manhattan Beach
to host another forum on terrorism preparedness. Harman's first
public forum on this subject was held in Manhattan Beach in August
2001, a month before the September 11th attacks. Since then, she
has held numerous forums all over her district.
Representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, and Los Angeles County Emergency Services
presented information on how to respond to a variety of emergency
response scenarios, including chemical and biological attacks on
the South Bay.
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Rep. Harman responds to audience questions
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"The good news is that Los Angeles County's as well prepared as
any place in the country. The Sheriff's Terrorism Early Warning Group
and South Bay Chiefs of Police are very effective," Harman stated.
"The bad news" continued Harman, "is that we can't be
fully prepared in advance when we don't know what form an attack will
take. Terrorists attack asymmetrically, where we least expect it."
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A South Bay first responder discusses emergency response
efforts.
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Local volunteers groups explained opportunities available to South
Bay residents interested in becoming more involved in their communities'
response efforts. Organizations included Redondo Beach's and El
Segundo's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Manhattan Beach's
Neighborhood Watch, the Medical Reserve Corps, and the Volunteers
In Police Service (VIPS).
Charlotte Lesser, from Manhattan Beach's Neighborhood Watch commented
on the importance of community members working together in the event
of a possible terrorist attack, "There is nothing better than
neighbors supporting one another in times of crisis. Neighborhood
watch is just one of the many organizations that affords residents
this opportunity."
After the presentation, representatives from different organizations
including the Red Cross, Beach Cities Health District and the Salvation
Army staffed tables and presented a wide variety of materials specific
to emergency preparedness. City officials were on hand to explain
emergency response plans and answer a variety of questions and concerns
from residents.
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