Annual Emergency Preparedness Expo set Saturday

WASILLA — With winter right around the corner here in the Mat-Su and the Lower 48 is dealing with the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the Mat-Su Local Emergency Planning Committee is hosting its ninth annual Emergency Preparedness Expo on Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla.

“If you’re new to Alaska or been here for years, come be part of the preparedness experience to learn or brush up on skills and check your preparedness level. Participants will have the opportunity to respond and test their skills. Professionals will be on hand to provide assistance and training,” said Heather Ridge, an event organizer. “There’s lot of stuff to do for the kids this year.”

Ridge said this year’s event will be bigger and more extensive with live demonstrations, hands-on training, kit exhibits and suppliers, a poster contest, door prizes, special awards, and more.

“In addition to gathering information, residents will have the opportunity to purchase supplies for their emergency kit, plus take part in exercises and experiences that will help get you, your family, friends and neighbors prepared for a wide range of potential disasters or emergencies,” said Ridge.

Ridge said among the features at this year’s expo are two canine teams—one rescue and the other therapy, emergency services vehicles, and a LifeMed helicopter landing.

“We’re extending hours this year,” Ridge said. “And we’ll also have a stage set up throughout the day. One of the stage events will be a lifejacket fashion show. But we encourage people to show up and see what it’s about.”

Ridge said she didn’t want to release too much information on who will be among those taking the stage. She said the event also features several “rooms.” Among those are the Alaska Avalanche Information Center (AAIC), The American Red Cross and Alaska Boat Safety. Ridge said last year, the AAIC set up a mock avalanche and shared safety and prevention information on the topic.

“We’re also having the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) demonstration which will focus on disaster backpack essentials,” Ridge said. She explained a disaster preparedness backpack is also known as a “grab-and-go” and contains three-days of essential items used in case of emergencies.

Tying into that is a Red Cross pillowcase project and a separate preparedness poster contest. Ridge explained the project is geared for kids and allows them to decorate their own pillowcase which in turn can be used like a disaster backpack.

Regarding the poster contest, Ridge said youth ages 5-18 are invited to draw a picture and show their community. The contest’s focus is “What does Emergency Preparedness Mean to you?”

“All entries earn a free ice cream cone from McDonald’s. The top people’s choice award in five age divisions will also receive a three day, four person ‘grab and go bag,’ a certificate of community service, and a special award presentation with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor and Assembly,” Ridge said adding the event was made possible with support from the Mat-Su Health Foundation and McDonald’s.

“Emergencies and disasters are not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ Don’t wait. This is your opportunity to ensure your family has the supplies, skills and plan you need to make any adversity an inconvenience and not a tragedy,” said Ridge. “Whether it’s an earthquake or an avalanche, don’t just talk about getting prepared, take the steps to ensure you are ready.”

In addition, Ridge said the Salvation Army is serving up free burgers, chips and soda throughout the day. Ridge said the first 100 attending will receive a free first aid kit to add to their preparedness backpack.

The event is free and made possible by sponsorship from AARP Alaska, the Mat-Su Health Foundation, Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union, the Alaska Department of Public Safety and more than 40 agencies, organizations and companies. Vendors wishing to set up a booth should email Ridge at heather.ridge@matsugov.us For more information or to register, visit https://matsuprepared2017.eventbrite.com

Contact reporter Chris Ford at 352-2270 or chris.ford@frontiersman.com