Contributed by Stephanie Bishop
10th Annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo
9/29/2018 - 10AM
Mat-Su Borough Emergency Management
Menard Sports Center
1001 S Clapp St. Wasilla
FREE Event
In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in partnership with the City of Wasilla, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), Red Cross of Alaska, Salvation Army of Alaska and the Alaska Avalanche Center invite your family to join us Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the Menard Sports Center for the 10th Annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo. This event is free and open to the public. The Salvation Army will be providing free hotdogs and chips, while additional food and drink is available for purchase.
With multiple live demonstrations, hands-on training, kit exhibits and suppliers, a poster contest, door prizes, special awards and much more, the 2018 event is shaping up to be the best year yet. 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 help get individuals, families, friends and neighbors prepared for a wide range of potential disasters or emergencies.
What does emergency preparedness mean to you? Youth, ages 5 to 18, are invited to draw a picture and show their community in the Preparedness Poster Contest. First hundred entries will receive a free ice cream cone from McDonalds. The top people’s choice award in five age divisions will also receive a “grab and go bag”, a certificate of community service and a special award presentation with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor and Assembly. The poster contest is made possible with support from the Mat-Su Health Foundation and McDonalds.
“This is an opportunity for the families of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to meet with responders and safety educators to help develop their own preparedness plan before an emergency occurs,” said Mat-Su Borough EOC Specialist, Stephanie Bishop. “This is the 10th year this expo has been presented and each year it continues to grow, getting more comprehensive every year, and our hope is to see a record turnout of attendees this year.”
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.
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. Whether it’s an earthquake or an avalanche, don’t just talk about getting prepared, take the steps to ensure you are ready.
Learn more or register at www.2018matsuemergencyexpo.eventbrite.com.
