National Preparedness Month kicks off Sept. 1 and Delaware activities include a day of exhibits, games and training opportunities. On Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Family Emergency Preparedness Day takes place at the DelDOT Dover building, 800 Bay Rd., across the highway from the Blue Hen Corporate Center.
The state just dodged two tropical storms as they passed well to the east, bringing only some rain, rough surf and rip currents to the area. However, emergency management officials and responders caution Delawareans to not become complacent and to use this time to review their preparedness plans and supplies.
Hosted by Kent County Department of Public Safety and organized by a consortium of state and local agencies and organizations, the event combines a variety of expertise and resources for the free-of-charge emergency preparedness day. Free food, demonstrations, materials, training and games are all part of the annual event. Included among the planning committee members and participants are Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Citizen Corps, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the American Red Cross of Delmarva, Division of Public Health-Preparedness Section and Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs.
Family Emergency Preparedness Day will provide residents with information and ideas for their own plans and supply kits. Exhibitors such as DEMA and the Red Cross will distribute materials listing supplies and tips on the key points of a family emergency plan. There are free training sessions on readiness for emergencies, writing a plan and building a kit, and emergency preparedness for pets.
One backpack of emergency supplies will be given away at each training session. A scavenger hunt will send families searching among the exhibits for clues and answers that will earn them a reward. Throughout the day, those who participated in the scavenger hunt will be eligible to have their name drawn to win a backpack of emergency supplies.
For youngsters and adults to admire, fire fighting, rescue and decontamination equipment will be displayed. The Delaware National Guard rock climbing wall looms large for those willing to take the challenge. The four-legged members of the Dover Air Force Base K-9 corps will accompany their trainers and handlers for a demonstration on the lawn in front of the DelDOT building.
Many exhibitors have interactive displays that all ages can enjoy. Kent County Public Safety and the City of Dover will provide misting machines to help everyone keep their cool in case of uncomfortably hot weather. There will be information available on flu prevention and updates on when vaccination clinics for H1N1 virus (swine flu) are scheduled.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jake’s Burgers will be serving up free hamburgers and hot dogs at the event. Wawa markets, Serve Pro and Wal-Mart Milford are also corporate sponsors for Family Emergency Preparedness Day.
Sunday, Sept. 13, noon to 4 p.m. is the rain date for Family Emergency Preparedness Day.
For further information, contact Rosanne Pack, 222-6573, or Marny McLee, 659-2243.
