Oak Park Unified School District Recognized As "QuakeSmart®"

OAK PARK, Calif., Nov. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)^® recognized the Oak Park Unified School District as the nation's first school district member of the QuakeSmart Resilient Community. The recognition follows Oak Park's successful completion of the QuakeSmart earthquake mitigation program that outlines actions for businesses and organizations to reduce injuries, deaths, and property damage from earthquakes. Participation in the program is free, voluntary, and demonstrates an organization like Oak Park's commitment to safety while promoting effective post-disaster recovery. Oak Park is the first school district in America to achieve this recognition.

"We congratulate the Oak Park Unified School District and their leadership for completing the QuakeSmart program in all eight District schools as well as the District office. Oak Park's vision in taking action ahead of an earthquake sets a positive example for all school districts in earthquake-prone states and territories," said FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson.

Oak Park United School District Superintendent Dr. Tony Knight remarked, "Securing furniture, equipment, and other items in our schools will make them safer for our students and staff in the event of an earthquake. We are proud to be the first school district in the nation to achieve the FEMA QuakeSmart recognition and to be a leader in making our schools safer places to learn."

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and FLASH developed the QuakeSmart program to help enhance recovery following damaging earthquakes, recognizing that businesses, schools, and organizations are essential to overall community resiliency in any disaster.

The program encourages companies, organizations, and their employees to become QuakeSmart by maintaining earthquake hazard mitigation efforts throughout the year. Program elements focus on the finding that most injuries and deaths during earthquakes are caused by falling objects and debris that can be secured ahead of time using simple, cost effective solutions. Some of the solutions include:

• Strapping bookcases and shelves to walls to prevent tipping,
• Knowing how and when to shut off utilities, and
• Securing ceiling systems and hanging light fixtures.

Learn more about QuakeSmart at www.quakesmartcommunity.org or by calling (877) 221-SAFE.

About FLASH
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is the country's leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. FLASH collaborates with more than 120 innovative and diverse partners that share its vision of making America a more disasterresilient nation including: BASF, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida Division of Emergency Management, The Home Depot®, International Code Council, Kohler® Generators, National Weather Service, Portland Cement Association, Simpson Strong-Tie®, State Farm™, and USAA®. In 2008, FLASH® and Disney opened the interactive weather experience StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes® in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Learn more about FLASH and gain access to its free consumer resources by visiting www.flash.org or calling (877) 221- SAFE (7233). Also, get timely safety tips to ensure that you and your family are protected from natural and manmade disasters by subscribing to the FLASH blog – Protect Your Home in a FLASH, and following the FLASH Twitter and Facebook accounts.

SOURCE Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Related Links

http://www.flash.org