Preparedness fair set for Saturday

Folks in Sisters Country can learn how to keep their families and neighborhoods prepared and ready for any emergency at the second annual Emergency Preparedness Fair to be held on Saturday, September 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sisters Elementary School. The fair is free and open to all.

Sisters Country: Prepared & Ready (SCPR) is a local initiative whose goal is to help individuals and families become better prepared for natural and man-made disasters, from a large-scale catastrophe like a massive subduction zone earthquake that could disrupt infrastructure across Oregon to the threats of severe weather, wildfire, volcanic eruptions, floods, hazardous materials spills or other emergencies. Prepared individuals do best when disaster strikes.

"Even though the very real potential for a major earthquake and resulting tsunami that could affect the entire Northwest's infrastructure has been widely publicized, other kinds of disasters are also a threat and citizens need to learn how they can help their families and neighbors by making a plan, building a kit, and getting trained," said SCPR member Jack McGowan.

The fair will feature expert presentations on the Cascadia Subduction Zone fault and resulting earthquake and tsunami risk, wildfires and defensible space, house-fire prevention, the role of local government in emergency operations, preparedness from the state viewpoint and the Red Cross role in preparedness and disaster response. All presentations will be from the perspective of impacts on all Central Oregon residents.

The fair line-up will include:

• Displays of emergency preparedness kits and instruction on building them.

• Free hands-only CPR classes.

• Demonstrations of food preparation during a disaster.

• Kid-friendly preparedness activities.

• Tours of emergency response vehicles.

• Advice on how to handle pets when disaster strikes.

• Simulated American Red Cross emergency shelter.

• American Red Cross blood drive.

Sisters Country: Prepared & Ready is led by representatives from the American Red Cross, Black Butte Ranch, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, The Nugget Newspaper and the Sisters School District with the support of local merchants and many other local groups and interested

parties.

For more information visit www.sisterscountrypreparedandready.org.