Hundreds attend Emergency Preparedness Conference in case 'Big One' strikes here

TACOMA -- If an earthquake like those that hit Ecuador and Japan were to strike here, local volunteers say they're ready.

Hundreds of volunteer workers, government leaders and community members came together Tuesday for a major Emergency Preparedness Conference on how to handle emergency situations. Organizers say the goal is to bring emergency workers of all fields together so they can learn from one another.

More than 700 people are expected to attend. The conference wraps up Thursday.