The City’s third annual Emergency Preparedness Fair is an opportunity to learn a few basics about preparedness — including how to build a ‘go kit’, how to prepare for wildfire season, and what supplies you might need to have on hand, extra preparation for kids, pets, and older adults, and more — from preparedness experts at the City and several partner organizations. By connecting residents and businesses with emergency response resources and educational materials, we hope to yield a more resilient community.
The event features demonstrations, giveaway items, and preparation resources.
Motivated by Wilsonville’s generational ice storm, massive wildfires, a heat dome event and the COVID pandemic, the City Council established a goal of engaging the community to support emergency preparedness and resiliency. The “Wilsonville Ready” campaign is a year-round effort to help individuals and families become better equipped to endure the immediate aftermath of an emergency when access to critical supplies – power, water, food, medical aid, plumbing, phone, internet, transportation, etc. – may be restricted. In the immediate wake of a catastrophic event, first responders may not be in a position to reach every person with critical need for several days.
Don’t be scared of natural disasters – get prepared at the West Lane Emergency Operations Group’s “Beat the Wave” 2024 Disaster Preparedness Expo on Saturday, Aug. 10.
Speak directly with emergency service personnel, see “disaster cooking” demos, take a workshop to learn lifesaving skills, hear from experts from fun and informative speakers, and enjoy a free hot dog lunch.
Admission is free for the event, which is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Florence Events Center, located at 715 Quince St.
Come early and join Resource Tap’s Beat the Wave Fun Run 5k and 2k walk. Get some exercise, see the town, and practice evacuating from the water to higher ground! Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., and the walk and run start at 10:00 a.m. at the Florence Events Center. The 2k stroll costs $10 to participate and the 5k run costs $20 to participate. The proceeds from the Fun Run will go to Resource Tap, an Oregon based non-profit that supports local emergency management efforts.
Do you know how to get to safe ground during a tsunami? Where should you evacuate during a nearby forest fire? How do you prepare for an unexpected emergency at your home? How would you help a loved one with a serious injury? What type of emergency materials do you need in case of evacuation?
Get your questions answered from a host of professionals in the all-day booth area, with experts in the field helping you prepare to face a crisis with confidence.
Speak directly with the emergency personnel who will be helping you through a Siuslaw emergency, with organizations including the City of Florence, the U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Office of Resilience Emergency Management.
Do you have a food plan during a disaster? Join a variety of expert homecooks throughout the region as they cook a variety of meals in an all-day “disaster cooking” demonstration. From cooking without heat and water to using portable stoves, the chefs will focus on non-perishable ingredients in their culinary creations.
Get hands-on experience with classes such as the annual skin suturing workshop, sponsored by PeaceHealth, along with informative talks on topics on communications without cell phone towers, community wildfire preparedness, and Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH).
And from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy a free hot dog lunch provided by the Rotary Club of Florence, while supplies last.
“Beat the Wave” is sponsored by the City of Florence and Three Rivers Casino to connect residents on the Oregon Coast with businesses and emergency service providers to raise awareness about disaster preparedness.
