National Emergency Preparedness Week provided an opportunity for Barriere Emergency Support Services (BESS) to present a display in the AG Foods parking lot the afternoon of Friday, May 11.
Members of the BESS set up a kiosk where members of the public could find easy to understand informational displays about dealing with emergency situations, along with information about the many practical items that might be needed during an emergency.
Information pamphlets provided included the Three Steps To Emergency Preparedness - a hands-on practical description of the three steps to take should there be an emergency; 1) Know the Risks, 2)Make a Plan, and 3)Get a Kit.
The BESS display provided sound planning information for area families, which gave them a good start to take action in creating their own plans and emergency kits.
BESS volunteers were also available to talk with members of the public, answer their questions, and explain the equipment and kits on display.
Refreshments were available, and if so inclined visitors could leave a donation to BESS.
Also present was Barriere Volunteer Fire Department with three fire emergency vehicles. The volunteers firefighters showed residents the equipment and explained its use, as well as explaining what is involved when they are called out to attend a fire. The shiny red fire trucks were quick to catch the interest of the public, and the crew was kept busy interacting with them.
Being prepared for an emergency makes good sense; hopefully you will never have to deal with one, but if you do – be prepared!