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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 3, 2008 No. 08-089
KANSAS PREPAREDNESS DAY TO BE HELD AT STATE FAIR IN HUTCHINSON SEPT.
8 Local, state and federal officials will kick off Kansas Preparedness Day activities Monday, Sept. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has signed a proclamation declaring September as “Kansas Preparedness Month” to encourage Kansans to focus on how best to prepare themselves for a disaster. “Clearly, the state of Kansas is no stranger to emergency situations or extreme weather conditions,” said Sebelius. “As a state, we have proven by continuing our preparedness efforts we can continue to persevere through the toughest of times.” On Sept. 8, the Kansas State Fairgrounds will have an area designated just south of the administration building, along the most western block of the Pride of Kansas Avenue. Participating agencies and organizations will have static displays of equipment and informational booths for the seven-hour event. A 10 a.m. news conference with Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas Division of Emergency Management Director and Adjutant General; Roderick Bremby, Kansas Department of Health and Environment; and Col. Terry Maple, Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent will address the importance of emergency preparedness in the home, community and the workplace. It will be held in the designated area south of the administration building. “Kansas’ recent experiences with weather-related disasters is an ever-present reminder that we should remain vigilant of the threat of disasters and maintain a readiness by having a plan and supplies on hand should the need arise,” said Bunting. "People should take every opportunity to learn about ways to look after their own health and safety in an emergency," Bremby said. "Kansas Preparedness Day at the State Fair is an opportunity to do just that." “Preparedness is a basic necessity in today’s world,” said Maple. “In Kansas we routinely prepare for weather-related events. Kansans must also diligently prepare for other events that may impact our state.” Featured displays, equipment and informational booths will be provided
by a variety of local, state, federal and non-profit emergency response
agencies including the Adjutant General’s Department/Kansas National
Guard, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Animal Health Department,
Kansas Association of Broadcasters, Citizen Corps, Civil Air Patrol, Kansas
Department of Health and Environment, American Red Cross, Kansas Highway
Patrol, Hutchinson Fire Department, Hutchinson Police Department, Kansas
Division of Emergency Management with their Community Emergency Response
Team Trailer, Reno County Emergency Management, Reno County Sheriff’s
Department, Salvation Army, Kansas Department of Transportation, FEMA,
FBI Local Chapter of Retired Agents and Kansas Homeland Security. -30- |
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