NWA Preparedness Fair approaches

Emergency preparedness experts across the Benton and Washington counties will hold their annual fair on Saturday Aug. 25 marking the sixth year for the event.

Mike Dixon, deputy director for the Benton County Emergency Management, said the fair has grown every year and its main focus is to raise awareness on all aspects of adequately preparing for emergencies of any type.

The fair will be held between 9.a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day  Saints at 1101 McCollum Rd. in Bentonville.

Dozens of vendors have signed up to host information booths and provide emergency education segments throughout the day.

Dixon said his agency will be introducing a new program called Ready Benton County, which will provide residents and businesses a three-step plan for emergency preparedness.

“We will also have a booth on search and rescue and give 30-minute presentations on various emergency support initiatives,” Dixon said.

This year the fair will have more than 50 booths hosted by local organizations such as emergency response teams, emergency training personnel, the Red Cross and other community service groups.

The information presented at the fair this year will include: emergency  foods, personal document preservation and preparation, first aid  kits, emergency shelters and evacuation routes, pet care during emergency  situations, water purification, and more.

The fair will also feature free admission and provide lunch for those attending. Child identification kits and weather radios will also be distributed at the fair, free of charge.

For more information on the regional preparedness fair go to http://www.nwapreparednessfair.com/wp/