Fair teaches emergency preparedness

Emergency preparedness took on new meaning this year nationally because of the devastation from the Gulf of Mexico hurricanes, and locally because of a deadly apartment building fire.

That’s why Kathleen Gordon-Ross was among dozens of people who attended Saturday’s Douglas County Community Preparedness Fair at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3615 W. 10th St.

Gordon-Ross was especially interested in preparing a 72-hour survival kit, which combines food, water, medicine and other essentials for a family to get through the early part of an emergency.

“I’ve got little kids, and I need to make sure that my family is prepared for situations that can occur in Kansas,” Gordon-Ross said.

About 10 tables displaying brochures, fliers and equipment from various local service agencies, organizations and individuals were set up at the church. Included were the Douglas County Emergency Management and Health departments and the American Red Cross. The organizations also conducted short seminars.

Natalie Anderson and her sons, Spencer, 2, left, and Seth, 6, learn about 911 calls Saturday at the Douglas County Community Preparedness Fair at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The fair was a good way to inform the public, said Paula Phillips, emergency management director.

“It provides citizens the opportunity to look at what’s out there in terms of preparedness – what they need to be doing and be thinking about in getting ready for an emergency,” she said.

At other tables, visitors could obtain information about how emergency measures could clash with American Indian cultures, how that can be avoided and how to assist people with disabilities during an emergency.

The fair was organized by Kim Murphree, a member of the church, which allowed space for the fair. Murphree said she planned to make the fair an annual event.

“This is my birthday celebration,” said Murphree, who turned 47 on Saturday. “I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate my birthday than to have a preparedness fair and help people be prepared for disasters and take care of their loved ones.”