Preparation was the message

RAINBOW: With our area no longer considered to be in the middle of an “asbestos” or largely wildfire unlikely area, turnout at last Saturday’s Disaster Fair stayed strong throughout the five-hour event. Held at the Upper McKenzie Community Center, the facility was packed with information boots both inside and out.

Whether someone stopped by a community groups or public agency booth the message was the same: disaster preparedness at its core works best when proactive measures are taken to minimize risks and impacts of both natural and human-made disasters.

Among the groups and agencies there to greet folks were representatives from the Red Cross and Orchid Clinic, the Oregon State Fire Marshall and Upper McKenzie Rural Fire District, OSU Master Food Preervers and the East Lane Veterinary Clinic.

Besides stopping by the various information sites organizers also scheduled a series of information panels to give presentations. Among the presenters in the morning were representatives from Oregon Volunteers in Disaster and Explorist Life and the Red Cross. In the afternoon, OSU Master Food prservers kicked off the program and were followed by talks given by Oregon Emergency Management, the state Fire Marshal and McKenzie Community Communications.

In addition to getting basic information - including water, nonperishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries and a full tank of gas - people with medical issues who may need to go to a shelter were advised to make those sort of preparations early and to have a several day supply of prescription medicine, particularly if power is out for an extended period.

To view videos of panel discussions of dealing with communications go to: tinyurl.com/4s4zpw8v