State Police Hosting a Prepare Fair in Grand Rapids with Local Nonprofits and Emergency First Responders; September is National Preparedness Month
Contact: Ron Leix, MSP/EMHSD Public Information Officer, (517) 336-6464Agency: State Police
Issued: Sept. 11, 2013
LANSING. The Michigan State Police is partnering with Grand Rapids area emergency first responders, nonprofits and volunteers to host a Prepare Fair in recognition of National Preparedness Month. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Comstock Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave. NW, in Grand Rapids.
"The Prepare Fair is a great opportunity for adults and children to meet their local first responders and learn about the importance of being ready for all types of emergencies and disasters," said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD). "The severe flooding that affected our Western Michigan communities in the spring is a reminder that disasters can happen at any time, to anyone. I encourage everyone to create an emergency plan and a supply kit with essential items."
Families attending the Prepare Fair will learn simple ways to get prepared before an emergency or disaster occurs, including how to develop a family emergency plan, create an emergency supply kit, perform basic first aid, and volunteer to help prepare their communities and more. The event is free of charge. Food and drinks will be provided.
During the fair, individuals will have an opportunity to:
- Learn how to prepare before, during and after an emergency
- Receive free preparedness items while supplies last
- Participate in kid-friendly preparedness activities
- Learn basic first aid techniques
- Explore emergency response vehicles
- Meet local first responders and volunteers
Participating groups include the MSP/EMHSD, MSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, MSP Criminal Justice Information Center, MSP Forensic Science Division, American Red Cross of West Michigan, Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES), City of Grand Rapids, Consumers Energy, Creston Neighborhood Association, Do 1 Thing, Grand Rapids Fire Department, Kent County Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT), Kent County Health Department, Kent County Medical Reserve Corps, Kent County Search and Rescue, Michigan Citizen Corps, Michigan Department of Community Health-Office of Public Health Preparedness, Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, Michigan Flood Plain Association, Moose Lodge, Radio Disney, Salvation Army, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) and more.
The Prepare Fair is an annual event dedicated to promoting emergency and disaster preparedness in the state of Michigan. This year, Comstock Riverside Park was chosen as the fair's location because of the severe flooding that impacted the Grand Rapids area between April and May 2013. Last year, the MSP partnered with first responders, nonprofits and volunteers to hold the first Prepare Fair in the Flint area after flooding occurred in Genesee County.
For more information about the Prepare Fair and National Preparedness Month initiatives, visit the MSP/EMHSD preparedness website at www.michigan.gov/beprepared and follow MSP/EMHSD on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MichEMHS
National Preparedness Month promotes the need to prepare nationwide. The MSP/EMHSD is a registered Coalition Member of National Preparedness Month joining more than 27,000 organizations nationwide to spread the important message of emergency preparedness.
President Barack Obama declared 16 Michigan counties as a major disaster on June 18, 2013, after severe flooding impacted parts of Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas from April 16 to May 14, 2013. The affected counties are Allegan, Barry, Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Ionia, Kent, Keweenaw, Marquette, Midland, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ontonagon, Osceola, Ottawa and Saginaw.
NOTE:Members of the news media will have an opportunity to get photos, video and interviews during the Prepare Fair. For additional details, interested media should contact Mr. Ron Leix, MSP/EMHSD Public Information Officer, at (517) 336-6464 or LeixR@michigan.gov.
The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is responsible for coordinating state and federal resources to assist local government in response and relief activities in the event of an emergency or disaster, as well as coordinating homeland security initiatives and various federal grants.
Related Documents
> Prepare Fair Flyer - Sept. 14, 2013 - 280304 bytes
