Contributed by Debra McGhan
As the current coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the world, hurricanes are threatening huge swaths of the United States and wildfires continue to consume enormous areas of the Lower 48, it is important to remember that every September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. To help Alaskans prepare, the Mat-Su Local Emergency Planning Committee, together with supporting organizations and volunteers, will again be hosting the annual free Emergency Preparedness Expo.
This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 Expo will be online, and instead of the traditional one-day event, will be accessible throughout the month of September and beyond. You can access the Expo at https://ready.matsugov.us/.
This hub page will serve as a year-round home for the yearly Preparedness Expo and will include information and links to other online resources to help Mat-Su residents learn about and prepare for emergencies. Radio Free Palmer will be airing short interviews with experts about preparedness and local hazards, and these will be one of the many ways residents can get the answers to questions about how to keep themselves, their family, friends and neighbors safe in the event of a wide range of potential disasters or emergencies.
If you’re new to Alaska or have been here for years, come be part of the preparedness experience to learn or brush up on skills and check your preparedness level.
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 plans you need to make any adversity an inconvenience and not a tragedy. Whether it’s an earthquake or an avalanche, don’t just talk about getting prepared, take the steps to ensure you are ready.
Join this free community expo online made possible thanks to the Mat-Su Borough, Red Cross, Mat-Su LEPC and a host of volunteers. Learn more at https://ready.matsugov.us/.