Emergency Preparedness Fair draws exhibitors and citizens

Upwards of 500 people attended the Emergency Fair at the VFW Fairgrounds on Saturday. Visitors received “passports” that obliged them to visit the various presenters in order to win prizes. Emergency Medical Services Director Ken Strange emceed the event, keeping visitors in the know of Fair events and drawings. Kate Sowell, Executive Director of the Barnabas Connection along with Board Member Mike Crusham and Tim Tempfer, VFW Judge Advocate and FEMA hazard mitigation supervisor, ably wrangled the event from the front lines.

On hand to greet visitors were representatives from state, county and city first responders and other service organizations who showed citizens “What to do in the first 72,” by handing out emergency supply checklists and other information. The checklist, along with prepared “Go Bags,” prepares citizens to be self-reliant for 3 days until responders are able to reach them.

Out to build awareness, part of the fair’s message was to teach people to turn to trust-ed sources for accurate information.

“While Facebook forums can be comforting, they are full of misinformation,” said Sowell. “In an emergency, tune to KWVH 94.3. To sign up for critical alerts, go to the Barnabas site, barnabasconnection. org and click the Emergency Preparedness tab.”

Organizers hoped people came away with a plan in mind, an understanding of the services available and the discernment to seek out trusted, reliable sources.