Red Cross hosts preparation workshops

Local business leaders, first responders and regular citizens will join hundreds of others next month for the American Red Cross of Orange County’s 24th annual Disaster Preparedness Academy in Anaheim.

The Red Cross is taking registration now for business, nonprofit and government organizations looking to participate in the all-day event Oct. 1.

From 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave., scientists and safety experts from across Southern California will host up to 20 workshops covering disaster preparedness planning, mitigation and response skills, and how to operate in a crisis.

All sorts of disasters will be addressed, from wildfires and earthquakes to evacuations and mass-casualty situations.

Preregistration for businesses is $170; for nonprofit and government organizations, $130. Registering at the event is $195 for all groups, organizers said. A group rate is available for groups of five or more. Call the American Red Cross of Orange County at (714) 481-5300 or go to www.oc-redcross.org.

— Joseph Serna