LAKEPORT, Calif. – In case of a major disaster, are you prepared to keep your family and home safe?

Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen invites the community to the Lakeport Disaster Preparedness Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Mendo Mill Home Center and Lumber Co., 2465 S. Main St., Lakeport.

At the expo you can find out how to plan and prepare should a major disaster arise.

We all live in a wonderful county, but if a disaster strikes things will change.

The power could be out for a long period of time, roads may not be passable and communications systems may be down.

Think about it, no communication may mean the 911 system could be affected. Will your cell phone service be in operation? Are you a HAMM radio operator? How will you communicate with family, friends and the work place? Do you know first aid and CPR?

If the roads are damaged and you cannot drive home, do you have a disaster kit in your car? If you have to walk, will you be in high heeled shoes or do you have tennis shoes in the trunk of your car to change into?

If the power is out, how long will it be, do you have a generator? Do you have batteries stored at home? Will you get water pumped from your well? Which stores will be opened? What if the ATM machines are out of service because of no electricity? Do you have extra cash available to you?

Do you have a family plan – where to meet up, how to communicate with each other? Have you set up an outside area contact so family and friends can call to that contact to find out how you are doing? There is a good chance they will not be able to call you in a disaster area.

The city of Lakeport and Mendo Mill are co-hosting the expo.

There will be booths staffed with experts to share disaster preparation with the public. The first 200 will be treated to free hot dogs and water.

Don’t wait for a disaster, prepare now!

For more information, call the Lakeport Police Department at 707-263-5491.

Greg Scott is the Lakeport Police Department's volunteer emergency services coordinator.