On Saturday, March 23, state, county and city first responders and other service organizations will host the third annual Emergency Preparedness Fair. The fair, which is free to attend, will be held on the VFW Fairgrounds, 401 Jacob’s Well Road, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The aim of the event is to show citizens how to prepare for short and long term disasters in our community. More than 35 vendors will converge to further their message that includes four key points: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
Not only will the cities of Wimberley and Woodcreek be represented, the Hays County Office of Emergency Management, the Hays County Health Department, the Constable, Precinct 3, and the Sheriff’s Office will be in attendance. The Wimberley Emergency Medical Services, Wimberley Fire and Rescue, and will also be there — as will the Wimberley Valley Rangers. Representatives from the National Weather Service and Texas A&M Forest Service, the Barnabas Connection, KWVH 94.3 Wimberley Valley Radio, Wimberley ISD, Pedernales Electric Company, Whitehart Energy LLC, Freedom Canines, Wildfire Protection Corp., Inc., Lion’s Club, Be Smart, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife will also be there.
When disaster strikes, being able to manage without outside help for three days is the main message of preparation. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about preparing emergency preparedness kits and will have the opportunity to purchase them already assembled.
Knowing the agencies and services that are available can go a long way toward managing expectations. In Wimberley, there are three facilities that typically act as key helpers in a crisis. The First Baptist Church can feed up to 4,000 people a day. The Barnabas Connection can shelter and feed between 50 and 200 people in an emergency, and people with livestock can turn to the VFW to feed and shelter their animals.
Some of the attractions included in the family-friendly event include fire trucks, helicopters, the Wimberley Adoption and Rescue group dogs, Meals Ready to Eat also known as MREs, Mini-Equines, shaved ice, speed pitch and door prizes.
Organizers hope that people of all ages will come away from the fair with a plan in mind, an understanding of the services that are available and the discernment to seek out trusted, reliable sources for accurate information.
