CASPER, Wyo. — With September just a couple of days away, so is National Preparedness Month, a nationwide observance dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of being ready for disasters and emergencies that can strike at any moment.
The Ready Campaign’s 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3.” The campaign will focus on preparing older adults for disasters, especially older adults from communities that are disproportionally impacted by the all-hazard events, which continue to threaten the nation, according to ready.gov, the government website for the Federal Emergency Management Agencies Ready Campaign.
“We know older adults can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies we now face, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a disability, or live in rural areas,” The website states.
On a local level, the Natrona County Emergency Management team is preparing to host the 2nd Annual Emergency Response Expo on Saturday, Sept. 9. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will take place at the south parking lot of the Eastridge Mall, located at 601 SE Wyoming Blvd.
This expo offers a unique opportunity for residents to gain insights into the readiness of local first responders for various emergencies within Natrona County.
Visitors will have access to a wide range of free resources aimed at fostering community preparedness, according to a press release from Natrona County Emergency Management.
Agency stations will be strategically set up to provide live demonstrations and showcase equipment crucial for ensuring public safety.
Law enforcement vehicles, fire apparatus, first responder gear and equipment will be on display, and attendees may even have the chance to interact with Safetypup, the beloved safety mascot.
Stacia Hill, the Natrona County Emergency Management coordinator, emphasized the importance of the event.
“This is a great opportunity to meet local first responders and learn about the equipment they use to save lives,” Hill stated in the press release.
Natrona County Emergency Management takes a proactive approach to anticipating potential disasters, whether natural or human-made. Their initiatives are dedicated to the preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation and security of Natrona County, according to the press release.
The Emergency Response Expo will feature the active participation of various key agencies, including the City of Casper Fire-EMS Department, Mills Fire Department, Casper Mountain Fire District, Evansville Fire-EMS, Casper/Natrona County International Airport, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, Natrona County Search and Rescue, Casper Police Department, Casper Public Safety Communications Center, Wyoming Highway Patrol, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and American Red Cross of Wyoming.
As the community gears up for this interactive event, the Emergency Response Expo serves as a reminder of the significance of preparedness in the face of unforeseen challenges and the role that local first responders play in ensuring the safety and well-being of Natrona County residents.
