Calimesa prepares for the big one

The city has two evacuation centers designated for residents to receive help - Mesa Grande Seventh-Day Adventist Academy, and the Norton Younglove Senior Center. And in 2009 when Mesa View Middle School opens, the school will become the city's third evacuation center, Bennett said.

In a life-threatening emergency, many people are going to reach for their phones and dial 9-1-1. But in the case of a disaster, that won't be the correct response. Instead, Bennett said, residents facing life-threatening emergencies should call the City of Calimesa.

Bennett said that City Manager, Randy Anstine would be in charge as the Emergency Operations Director, along with Public Works Director, Bob French; Calimesa Police Chief, Captain, Chris Davis, of the Riverside County Sheriff's Dept.; and Fire Chief Bennett.

Calimesa has nine mobile home parks. To make them more disaster prepared, Fifth District Supervisor, Marion Ashley, gave the city a $20,000 grant, Bennett said.

"Seven of the nine (mobile home parks) have emergency backup generators," he said. "Managers and residents have been trained, and all have received additional earthquake supplies."

Those supplies include items such as water barrels, gas valve wrenches, first aid kits, evacuation stretchers, and sanitary hygiene items, added Bennett.

Numbers and addresses to know:

The City of Calimesa
City of Calimesa
908 Park Avenue
Calimesa, CA 92320
(909) 795-9801

Riverside County Fire Department Station #21
906 Park Avenue
Calimesa, Ca 92320
(909) 795-1010

And the Riverside County Sheriff's Department (RCSD)
that serves Calimesa can be reached at (951) 922-7100.

Take Note: Visit the Southern California Earthquake Center at www.scec.org. This website has lots of information on education and preparedness.

Calimesa Evacuation Centers:

Mesa Grande Seventh-Day Adventist Academy
975 Fremont Street
Calimesa, CA
(909) 795-1112

Norton Younglove Senior Center
908 Park Avenue
Calimesa, CA
(909) 795-2287