Event to focus on disaster readiness

A long-time community group that promotes the general welfare of Newport Beach is hosting a disaster preparedness presentation Wednesday.

The Speak Up Newport event will feature speakers Matt Brisbois, a life safety specialist with the Newport Beach Fire Department, and Katie Eing, the emergency services coordinator for the city, according to an event flier.

A reception is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. in the city’s Civic Center community room, 100 Civic Center Drive. The program will follow at 6 p.m.

A tour of the city’s new Emergency Operations Center, typically closed to the public, will follow the presentation.

Attendees will gain a better understanding of what might occur in the event of a disaster like a tsunami or an earthquake and how to be prepared for it, said George Schroeder, a nearly 20-year board member.

The group discusses emergency response about every two years, Schroeder said. This week’s event was planned in part because the monthly meeting fell on the anniversary of 9/11.

—Emily Foxhall

Twitter: @emfoxhall