Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian will sponsor a crime prevention/personal preparedness event on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. at Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto.

The event includes an update by Kenneth Dueker, Palo Alto director of the Office of Emergency Services. The class offers an opportunity to learn about residents' roles in responding to and recovering from major disasters, organizers said, especially in light of the recent disaster in the Philippines.

The first 75 attendees will receive a free gift, and there will be a photo opportunity with Supervisor Simitian.

The event is free, and parking is available in the Bryant Street garage located across the street from Avenidas. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by emailing epvolunteers@paneighborhoods.org. Persons should also contact this email address for a photo-op reservation.