CSUB to host emergency preparedness event

March 15 event is free and open to all

By California State University, Bakersfield

February 24^th, 2025

Knowing what to do in an emergency can be the difference between life and death, and an upcoming event at California State University, Bakersfield aims to prepare local families for what to do if the worst happens.

The university’s Geology Department and the Kern County Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Services are teaming up again for a community disaster preparedness event on March 15 on the CSUB campus. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Don Hart East Lawn, guests are invited to take part in interactive demonstrations and meet with representatives from local emergency agencies and community organizations.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Kern County Office of Emergency Services hosting the emergency preparedness event,” said Dr. Anthony Rathburn, chair of CSUB’s Geology Department. “Knowledge about Earth and environmental sciences is critical in order to understand natural disasters and mitigate their negative impacts on communities in Kern County and elsewhere.”

Guests will learn information that will better prepare them for emergencies and disasters, whether that’s taking care of themselves, their family, their pets or their home. They can leave the event knowing what to pack in a go-bag, how to use a fire extinguisher and what information to include in a family communications plan, among other preparedness best practices.

“No one knows your family and your family’s needs better than you,” said Jolene Murillo, assistant emergency services manager for Kern County. “Knowing what to pack in a go-bag specific to your needs will better prepare your household in case of emergency.”

The CSUB Geology Department will have its interactive augmented reality sandbox on display, giving guests the chance to create their own topographical map by shaping the sand and seeing how water flows through it. The university’s Nursing Department will also be there to demonstrate hands-only CPR, and CSUB Safety and Risk Management will demonstrate a fire extinguisher simulator.

The CSUB departments participating “have a long-standing commitment to providing regional communities with educational resources for all ages,” Dr. Rathburn said. “This unique, free event provides a great opportunity to educate families about natural disasters and how to prepare for emergencies associated with fires, floods, earthquakes and more.”

In addition to the demonstrations, first-responder vehicles from the Bakersfield Fire Department, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Bakersfield Police Department, Edwards Air Force Base, Hall Ambulance and Kern County Environmental Health will also be on display at the event.

Participating community organizations include Scouting America, PG&E, Independent Living Center of Kern County, the Bakersfield Chapter of the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Central California Animal Disaster Team, Buena Vista Museum, Community Action Partnership of Kern, Kern County Animal Services and Kern County Aging and Adult Services. Joining the event for the first time will be Houchin Blood Bank, the United Way and the Kern Fire Safe Council.

Having local agencies and community nonprofits at the event allows them to connect with residents and showcase how they all work together with their own role in disaster preparedness, response and recovery, Murillo said.

“A successful disaster response is not made up of a singular response department or organization,” she said. “Disasters and emergencies are often dynamic in nature and require constant communication and coordination between government agencies, community organizations, non-profits and the impacted community.”

Maggie Izumi is a senior geology student who volunteered at the last community preparedness event in 2023. She was a recent transfer student at the time and wanted to help with the event to get more involved. When she wasn’t dressed in an inflatable dinosaur costume to draw guests to the Geology Department table, Izumi enjoyed the event as a guest herself.

“I personally loved being able to meet so many different community organizations,” she said. “It was awesome to see everyone coming together to learn about safety and disaster preparedness. I especially enjoyed all the different interactive presentations that you could participate in as well as all the freebies that you could pick up from the vendors!”

Izumi will be back this year, helping with the interactive rock and mineral display at the Kern County Mineral Society table. She encourages people to come out and get a better understanding of the possible disaster threats unique to Kern County.

“I hope that guests can gain a better understanding of the natural hazards that are possible in our area and how they can prepare themselves for various scenarios,” she said.

Admission and parking in lots K1, K2 and K3 are free, and ASL interpretation will be available. Food will be available for purchase from Sabor Tano Smokehouse BBQ and Krazed Food Truck.