South County Fire will be hosting the annual Emergency Preparedness Expo Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Community Life Center, 19820 Scriber Lake Road, Lynnwood.
This free event will include activities for all ages to learn lifesaving skills, including response to fires, earthquakes and other disasters. Emergency professionals from across Snohomish County and the State of Washington will be there to answer preparedness questions.
Visitors can also pick up a free Narcan kit courtesy of Verdant Health Commission, while supplies last. They can also complete a bingo card to enter to win one of several prize drawings.
“Natural disasters and emergencies can happen at any time, and learning how to be prepared to keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe can make a difference,” said South County Fire Community Outreach Manager Shawneri Guzman. “We hope many people are able to attend because being prepared for disasters can reduce fear, anxiety, and most importantly, prevent loss of life and property.”
The Emergency Preparedness Expo is presented by South County Fire in partnership with the City of Brier, City of Edmonds, City of Lynnwood, City of Mill Creek and City of Mountlake Terrace. Learn more at southsnofire.org/events.
Here’s a thought; develop a future plan to protect seniors and people with disabilities in an emergency. Please consider dividing South County into jurisdictions with support that can identify people with mobility challenges, disabilities and/or language barriers. If there were a fire or earthquake, why not involve volunteer community members to assist with evacuation. Residents currently must “shelter in place or fend for themselves” when emergencies occur. South County Fire has an opportunity to create response teams that can include both public & private sector businesses. Locations designed to meet the needs of evacuated residents. Community groups that can go out and provide emergency response because they are designated by jurisdictions and have been trained in First Aid, CPR and Trauma Informed Care. With the addition of huge apartment complexes, we know there may be 300 to 500 residents to one complex. South County Fire is outstanding and they have the staff and expertise to handle emergency service but not on a large scale. Please consider creating community teams trained to assist.