The Community Awareness Fair was held at Patriots Park located at the corner of Ming Avenue and New Stine Road. The event, held on March 1, was the result of six months of work from Joshua Cohen, 13, a Boy Scout who was concerned about the knowledge that people need in case of a natural disaster and helping with crime prevention.

Cohen said that the knowledge available at the fair will help to prevent crime and eventually people will know what to do in case of a disaster. The fair targeted all the members of the family because “families make our community,” said Cohen.

Children attending the fair had the opportunity to get an idea of how cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is conducted.

“We are trying to teach kids the basic concept of CPR,” said Gabriela Tamayo, Health and Safety Director of American Red Cross Kern Chapter.

Members of the Red Cross Disaster Relief Unit also were present answering questions and explaining how to be prepared for possible natural disasters.

Leonard Arends explained the importance about water in case of a disaster. “We recommend storing one gallon per person per day expecting at least three days before you get help, but it would be better to be prepared for a longer period of time.”

Arends warned people that it is not a good idea to drink water from swimming pools because the water may be contaminated. He also reminded people how important it is to have basic items handy such as a flashlight, shoes, a food disaster kit, etc., in case of a catastrophe. ??

“You must be prepared for the worst possible scenario,” said Arends.

Adam Krause from Sport Chalet exposed many items that may be useful to be prepared for a disaster. From a water preserver to a solar charger for electronics, Krause demonstrated the use of every item available for surviving in a disaster.

“They taught us this when I was in the army,” said Brad Norris referring to a whistle, which serves to communicate using the Morse code.

Also, officers from Bakersfield Police Department and the Fire Department attended the event exposing their mobile units.

Brooke Davenpart from the Crime Prevention Unit spoke about the crime prevention program and neighborhood watch. “We are also teaching kids when it’s appropriate to call 911.”

Davenpart emphasized that the Explorer program enrolls young volunteers who are interested in joining law enforcement. “You can see these young people directing traffic at the mall during holidays or helping out at parades,” Davenpart said.

During disasters volunteers are really important, said Barbara Swanson, coordinator of Kern Medical Reserve Corps.

“It is important to sign them up in advance,” said Swanson, who explained that many people try to volunteer at the moment of a disaster, but they lack the proper training and sometimes that situation becomes chaotic.

Esther Schlanger, mother of four kids, attended the fair after she saw a flier handed out by Cohen. She came to the fair to obtain more knowledge and be prepared to protect her little ones.

“I think the most important thing I learned today was to know that we need to have lots of water stored,” said Schlanger.

Many other people were passing by the park and stopped at the event. “I live just around the corner,” said Casey James, who took his three kids to the different stands to have some fun and learn about the subject. “I got a bunch of fliers that I’ll read at home.”

Cohen hopes that people who attended the fair will get the message and pass it on.

He plans to have a similar event every year at different parks through the city working on his goal of making Bakersfield a “better and safer place to live.”