Fair helps make Alaskans safer

To the editor,

The Alaska Safe and Sound Committee including the Mat-Su Office of Emergency Services, MAT-SAR and the North America Outdoor Institute would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all those that participated in and attended the second annual Mat-Su Safe and Sound Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sept. 18 at Mat-Su College.

This program would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors including State Farm Insurance, the Mat-Su Health Foundation, Mat-Valley Federal Credit Union, Wal-Mart Wasilla, Jane Conard, KTUU Channel 2, Clear Channel Radio, Mat-Su College and Mat-Su Frontiersman, along with all our partner agencies and in-kind sponsors.

We also want to thank all the Mat-Su School children that participated in our first ever Emergency Preparedness Poster contest sponsored by Frontiersman. Congratulations to Kalvin Kolb, from Meadow Lakes for first place; Roman Gerasimyuk, second; and Madalynn LaFay, third place.

We encourage all Alaskans to take time during September, National Emergency Preparedness Month, to make a plan, build a kit and get informed about disasters and emergencies.

Do you have a plan? If so be sure you share the plan with all family members to ensure everyone knows what to expect and what they should do. If you don’t, take time this month and make one. You can learn more and get started at www.ready.gov contact Bea Adler at 373-8822 or email info@naoiak.org.

If you would like to have a customized training program for your company, organization or school, call 376-2898 to learn more.

Debra McGhan

NAOI executive director

Wasilla