Emergency Preparedness Expo set

From emergency food storage to ham radio operation, Roosevelt and Curry County residents have a chance to learn how to be ready in case of disasters.

“Be Prepared, Not Scared” Emergency Preparedness Expo is set for 8 a.m. to noon June 27 at the Roosevelt County Fairgrounds Jake Lopez Building.

A variety of organizations are scheduled to have information booths or conduct 20- to 30-minute workshops during the event. Topics include financial issues in disasters, maintaining first aid kits, water purification and emergency pet care.

“There’s all different types of emergency groups in the state, in the counties and cities, that offer a lot of information on emergency preparedness, and we as individuals can learn how we can help them as they help us, so we can work together efficiently,” organizer Cora Stroud said.

With the nation facing weather disasters, terrorist threats and economic problems, she said, community members can help each other. Stroud hopes the community will come together to prepare.

During the expo, Dr. Winona Stoltzfus of the state Department of Health is scheduled to update her audience on the swine flu.

Roosevelt County Emergency Management Director Keith Wattenbarger will discuss the state emergency plan and emergency communication, Stroud said. She plans to teach food storage methods. Curry County Extension agent Stan Jones will give instructions on container gardening.

In conjunction with the expo, Roosevelt County Emergency Medical Services plans to honor an individual for exceptional community service with the police, firefighters, emergency medical services or military, past or present. The community is invited to nominate people who live in the area.

“These folks put their lives on the line when they go out and do their duty, paid or volunteer,” said Causey firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician Ann Clark, who is taking nominations.

Nominations should include a paragraph explaining why the nominee should receive the award and be submitted to Clark. The selected individual will be honored at the expo, Stroud said.

“Be Prepared, Not Scared”

Emergency Preparedness Expo Workshops:

• 8 a.m. to noon. First Aid and CPR certification class by Jan Elliott

• 8:30 a.m. 72-hour evacuation kits workshop by Candice Kuykendall

• 9 a.m. Methods of Food Storage by Cora Stroud

• 9:30 a.m. Container Gardening by Stan Jones

• 10 a.m. Emergency Communications by Keith Wattenbarger

• 10:30 a.m. 72-hour evacuation kits workshop by Candice Kuykendall

• 11 a.m. Swine flu update by Dr. Winona Stoltzfus

Emergency Preparedness Expo Award nominations

Ann Clark at:

• 273-4249 or 760-9911

• causeyfd@yucca.net

• Emergency Preparedness Expo Award, P.O. Box 79, Causey, NM 88113