Helicopters, fire trucks part of emergency expo
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com

When disaster strikes, having a plan and being prepared in advance can make all the difference in surviving and starting the recovery process sooner.

That's the idea behind the Emergency Preparedness Expo 2008 being held from 2-7 p.m. at the Wharton Civic Center on Tuesday, June 24.

The event is being hosted by the Wharton County Office of Emergency Management with the sponsors including the city of Wharton, Wharton Chamber of Commerce and Wharton County.

"While this is the start of hurricane season, this is not just a hurricane preparedness event," Emergency Management Coordinator Andy Kirkland said, adding it includes "information on getting yourself and family ready to respond to any kind of emergency and having the skills to take care of themselves."

Inside the Civic Center, a number of information booths covering a wide range of ways to prepare will be set up.

In addition, several speakers will be making presentations ranging from a National Weather Service spokesperson presenting on hurricanes to evacuation reasoning and Colorado River flooding.

The first speaker will start at 2:15 with new speakers starting about every 45 minutes.

"We've also had local businesses and vendors donate a number of door prizes, including a top prize of $100 for gas, to be given away," Kirkland said.

"Those attending will be given a ticket on entry and drawings will be held throughout the event.

"You must be present to win."

In addition to a door prize tickets, free hot dogs will be served starting at 5 p.m.

Kirkland said the event has grown from the initial planning to being so big the Civic Center can't hold everything.

"We'll have a number of exhibits set up outside," he said.

"We've got different kinds of communication vans along with emergency response helicopters, fire trucks, ambulances and law enforcement vehicles."