Center for Autism and Related Disorders to Simulate Earthquake Disaster Drill on October 21 in Southern California

The simulated drill will involve autistic patients and staff removal from a multi-floor building to an evacuation center.

Tarzana, CA October 21, 2010 – The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD), the world’s largest autism treatment center, announces an earthquake evacuation exercise will take place Thursday, October 21, at CARD’s headquarters, located at 19019 Ventura Blvd, in Tarzana, CA. The drill is part of the Great California Shakeout campaign to practice how to protect each other during earthquakes, and to get prepared at work, school, and home.

Major earthquakes can cause catastrophes. With earthquakes as an inevitable part of California’s future, CARD is taking the necessary precautions to ensure potential earthquake disasters do not become catastrophes.

The CARD drill will include sounding the earthquake alarm promptly at 10:21am, the evacuation of all patients and personnel from the three story building, and safely transport them to a designated evacuation center. Moderate to severe injuries will receive care and treatment as part of the simulated training.

“During a disaster, the number and scope of incidents can overwhelm conventional emergency services, so the drill was designed to have a realistic approach in case of an emergency situation, where patients and staff may initially be on their own and their actions can make a difference,” says Tiffany O’Day, CARD’s Director of Operations.

“We hope this drill can help employees be efficient and effective without placing themselves in necessary danger, as they assist our patients, who are children with moderate to severe autism, in an emergency situation.”

Press Conference
10:40am
Evacuation Center - Tarzana Nursery Center
19035 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, CA

MEDIA CONTACT:
Daphne Plump
818-345-2345 ext. 270

About CARD:

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) diligently maintains a reputation as one of the world’s largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and related disorders. Following the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), CARD develops individualized treatment plans for your child. CARD proud provides autism services around the globe.

For more information about CARD, visit: www.centerforautism.com.