Ensuring that you and your family will have access to the tools, resources and supplies that may be required to survive a disaster is not a concern that should be left to chance. Lacking options to meet your basic needs should there be an emergency, natural disaster or other circumstance that may leave you unable to make use of the utility services, resources and supplies you need on a daily basis may leave you faced with far more serious problems. Superior efforts for disaster preparation can make a life saving difference in any circumstance where you may be otherwise unable to find the food, water and shelter you need to survive.

 

Stocking up on basic supplies like non-perishable foods, bottled water and basic medical supplies can provide you with basic resources that may be required in a wide range of circumstances. From natural disasters to man-made emergencies, having access to the basic supplies and resources needed to meet your daily needs can be an important part of any disaster preparation effort. Investing in resources that will be needed in a wider variety of emergency situations may ensure that your preparation efforts are able to provide you with greater results.

 

Educating yourself and your loved ones about any local or regional concerns that you may be at greater risk of may ensure that you are able to respond more effectively to any emergency situation. Lacking the instructions and understanding needed to respond to a disaster appropriately can be just as dangerous as failing to procure the resources and items you may need to rely on in such situations. Preparation efforts that will be able to provide you with the tools, opportunities and information needed to keep safe during the event of an emergency or natural disaster can offer you an important way to invest in the continued safety of yourself and those around you.  To help support Bridgeport and the surrounding communities in developing basic disaster preparedness steps, the City of Bridgeport will be hosting its first Family Safety & Preparedness Expo on September 21, 2013 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Bridgeport High School!

People are dependent upon the nation’s infrastructure [Critical infrastructure is the backbone of our nation's economy, security and health. We know it as the power we use in our homes, the water we drink, the transportation that moves us, and the communication systems we rely on to stay in touch with friends and family. – National Infrastructure Protection Plan] to provide for their needs. If that infrastructure were to collapse, we would be in serious and immediate trouble. Loss of electricity, water, food, and other resources would leave us paralyzed.

The Expo will be a gathering of experts who can share their knowledge and demonstrate products that will help residents feel more confident in their ability to care for themselves and the ones they love. Our vision is for the exhibits to be informational and hands-on and also have instructional discussions on all aspects of being ready for local disasters and emergencies.

It is the perfect event for the whole family and will include very important preparedness and public safety information, photo opportunities with emergency vehicles, giveaways, prizes and much more!

 

We will also have the Charleston National Weather Service conducting their SKYWARN Weather Spotter Training from 3 - 5 PM on site.  The National Weather Service relies on trained volunteers to supplement Doppler radar information on severe storms and tornadoes. These dedicated individuals volunteer many hours of their time to learn about and detect severe weather. Their valuable cooperation is important in the warning process. Weather reports from trained spotters are used along with Doppler radar data to issue warnings of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and flash floods. 

 

Recent events have reminded us that our world is a dangerous place, whether it is a deadly tornado, a nuclear meltdown, a severe disease outbreak or a stock market collapse … our conveniences and lifestyle is forever uncertain.  If our community was hit with a major disaster, how would you handle it?  Would you be forced to fall into line with thousands of others who are dependent upon the government or local social services to provide for the basic needs of themselves and their families?  Or do you possess the knowledge and supplies to adapt and survive?  Do you have a carefully stocked pantry, a method to retrieve and purify water, a source for generating electricity?  Come to the Bridgeport Family Safety & Preparedness Expo to learn how to make sure that the “First 72” is safe for you and your loved ones. 

 

FREE vendor and exhibit space is still available. Vendors interested in reserving a space and organizations interested in participating can contact Sgt. Bobby Goodrich, Bridgeport Police Department, at rgoodrich@bridgeportwv.com or by calling 304-203-7053.