Inland Empire Emergency Preparedness Event for Faith Leaders Planned

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA – Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) will partner with nonprofit Building Resilient Communities to host the fourth annual "Ark of Safety Forum" on Jan. 27 at the facilities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino.

The event is geared for Inland Empire faith leaders to learn more about and discuss best practices when responding to crises or disasters in their communities.

"When emergencies or disasters strike, it takes the whole community pulling together to rebuild," said Morrell. "Congregations can serve a unique role in these situations. They are in every neighborhood and can be first on scene when emergency personnel have not arrived. By coordinating these efforts, we can create a network that prepares the Inland Empire for crisis. I am deeply appreciative of our partner Debra Williams and Building Resilient Communities for working to present this program again."

The free forum is open to faith leaders of all denominations and religions.

Scheduled during the daylong event are various presentations, including an active shooter training led by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department as well as a discussion conducted by the Lions Club regarding local response to last year's Blue Cut Fire. On hand will also be representatives from the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services and other disaster readiness groups.

Pastor Josh Beckley of Ecclesia Christian Fellowship in San Bernardino is this year's keynote speaker. His remarks will focus on the topic "Spiritual Care During a Disaster."

"We are pleased to co-host the Ark of Safety Forum with Senator Mike Morrell for a fourth year," said Debra Williams, President of Building Resilient Communities. "Each year the forum focuses on different aspects of preparation. Our goal is to always provide information and resources that attendees can immediately implement in their congregations and surrounding communities."

Supporters of this year's event include: the American Red Cross, Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino, Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, Riverside County Emergency Services Department, Riverside and San Bernardino County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, Southern California Edison, and others.

The 2017 event will take place on Friday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be held at the facilities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino, located at 1201 E. Highland Avenue in San Bernardino. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Online registration is open at www.buildingresilientcommunities.org.

For questions or more information, interested individuals can contact Melissa Boyd at (909) 919-7731 or Melissa.Boyd@sen.ca.gov.

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--Image courtesy of and information submitted by Office of Senator Mike Morrell and Ark of Safety Forum organizers