Falmouth to host 4th annual Family Emergency Preparedness Fire Prevention Fair
The Falmouth Emergency Management and Fire Prevention Divisions of the Falmouth Fire Rescue Department is hosting a Family Emergency Preparedness and Fire Prevention Fair on Saturday, October 1, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gus Canty Recreation Center, 790 Main Street, in Falmouth.
The event is free of charge.
Falmouth’s Assistant Emergency Management Director Kim Strohm says, “We found during the recent winter storms many of our community members were unprepared. Many spent days without heat or electricity, without a way to keep warm or cook for themselves or their families during several very cold days. We want to do all we can to educate and increase their preparedness for the next time—because we know there will be a next time.”
Massachusetts Emergency Management (MEMA) Region II Manager James Mannion called our event “the biggest and best in the whole state.” Falmouth is the only Cape community to hold an Emergency Preparedness Fair. And Strohm invites visitors from across Cape Cod and the Islands to the event. Last year visitors came from as far as Nantucket.
There are approximately 50 Fair participants to include Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Cape Cod Disaster Animal Response Team, Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps, American Red Cross, Citizens Emergency Response Team, Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office, Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod, Cape Cod Commission, Marine Lodge, the National Weather Service, Oceanside Restoration and Falmouth Human Services.
Visitors will learn how to prepare an emergency supply kit, prepare pets for sheltering, prepare elderly and disabled persons for sheltering and become a CERT volunteer. They will also be able to determine if they live in a flood zone.
“We are very excited about offering this opportunity to introduce our residents to many organizations and businesses and what they have to offer before, during and after emergencies,” Strohm said.
There are also several components for children including an outdoor “Touch A Truck” event with community and county emergency response vehicles on site including fire trucks, a police cruiser and SWAT truck, an Emergency Command Center vehicle and a Coast Guard boat. In addition, entertainment will be provided by Harold the Ventriloquist and Friends as well as “Patches” the Talking Automated Fire Dog.
Popcorn, hot dogs and pizza will be available free of charge.
In addition to the “Passport” which encouraged visitors to visit at least 25 booths to receive a free prize there will also be several free raffle prizes.
