By MAGGIE MCMURRAY
Moapa Valley Progress
The importance of being prepared in an emergency was the main topic of a Emergency Preparedness Fair held at the Overton Community Center on Tuesday, February 16.
“Our goal tonight is to help people come away with just a little more knowledge than they had,” said event organizer Rebecca Muhlestein.
The fair was an accumulation of knowledge with guest specialists invited from all over the area.
A display by the Logandale Volunteer Fire Department was a kid favorite, as it included a fire engine. Don Thomas presented the display, which also contained information about the Vial of Life program. In Vial of Life, participants fill out a paper with vital information which is inserted in to a bag or jar and then placed in the refrigerator. Participants put a special sticker on their front door. When paramedics respond they see the sticker and know to go straight to the refrigerator to find important information. More information on this program is available at vialoflife.com or at Lin’s pharmacy.
Other booths included information on square foot gardening, essential oils, sprouting, and funeral planning.
Valley resident Marilyn McMurray had an extensive display on sanitation. She had examples of washing machines and toilets made from five gallon buckets, a garbage can hot water heater, and an alcohol stove.
“Sanitation is one of the most important aspects of preparedness,” McMurray said. “Unfortunately, in the event of a disaster, poor sanitation usually kills more people than the original disaster.”
Another detailed display was provided by Logandale resident Randy Richins, who is a communications specialist. He showed people how they could inexpensively prepare to stay in contact with family, friends, and disaster relief organizations in the event of an emergency.
When cell phone service is down, people need to have a backup communications system, Richins said. He had several mobile transceiver systems displayed as well as information about HAM operations. Many of the systems are budget friendly and easy to find, making them something worth having, he said.
Other booths contained information on making get-away carts and creating a preparedness book by Marjorie Holland, what to do in the event of a power failure by Robin Ozaki from Overton Power District, and how to become a member of the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT).
Dr. Frank Carman and his wife Cindy also had a booth with Frank’s book, “The Ebola Survival Guide” and many items they recommend people have on hand in the event of a health crisis. The book is available inexpensively on amazon.com.
Paul Howard and his wife Donna attended the event. They said they came because it is always good to be prepared. Paul is the new pastor on the Moapa reservation. “I especially came because I want to make sure I stay up to date on this preparedness stuff so in the event of an emergency I can help out my community,” Howard said
“I’m pleased with the great displays we had tonight and the efforts of our presenters,” Muhlstein said. “I’m also grateful for those that came to learn a little more.”
The next Community Preparedness Fair is already scheduled for August 16 at 5:00 in the Overton Community Center.