Program Name Earthquake Survival Program
(ESP)
Administering Agency County of Los Angeles,
Office of Emergency Management
Contact Person (Name/Title)
Joyce
Harris/ESP Program Manager
Address
1275
N. Eastern Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90063
Telephone Number
(323)
980-2267
Fax Number
(323)
881-6897
The Earthquake
Survival Program (ESP), developed by Los Angeles County in 1989, is an
innovative awareness campaign designed to prepare residents for earthquakes
and other emergencies by encouraging them to focus on a different
preparedness action each month of the year.
The motivation for initiating the campaign was to provide a simple,
low-cost, non-overwhelming way for residents to prepare for earthquakes and
other emergencies. The ESP’s simplistic approach to preparedness has earned a
reputation for creativity and has broadened its scope to become an
internationally acclaimed model program.
“It
won’t happen to me” is a common public response to disasters.
However, earthquakes, fires, floods, tornadoes and other natural and
man-made disasters occur worldwide and often without warning.
The increased frequency and more devastating effects of disasters in
recent years makes it clear that we all need to be better prepared than in
the past. Catastrophic events
could overwhelm fire, law enforcement, medical and emergency services.
Individuals, neighborhoods, businesses and entire communities might
be on their own for several hours or days.
They may have to treat family members, neighbors, fellow employees
and others for injuries and/or check homes, buildings and offices for damage
or missing people. Impacts of disasters can be reduced by preparing in advance,
but for many, the task of preparing is often overwhelming and far too
expensive. The ESP addresses
and helps to resolve this problem by providing an easy and cost-effective
way for everyone to prepare.
Earthquake and
other emergency preparedness information, published each month, provide the
public with general guidelines to assure their own safety and survival
following a major disaster. A
variety of public information materials, in an easy-to-follow format, have
been produced. Campaign
materials include yearly calendars, posters, Focus information sheets,
Bulletins, Activity Book for Kids, Family Steps to Survival earthquake
preparedness booklet, Neighborhood Preparedness “AWARE” plan, “Kid’s
Quake Club” Puppet Show and videotapes.
The ESP also assists participating cities, businesses,
churches, schools and others in their emergency preparedness efforts through
region-wide actions taken by the media and others. The program can be readily incorporated into existing
emergency plans and training or it can be used as a stand-alone emergency
preparedness program. It has
become a highly successful and effective way for the County of Los Angeles
to help meet one of its goals to minimize the loss of life and property
which results from emergencies and disasters.
