Staff Report
HAYS COUNTY — The Office of Emergency Services (OES) is preparing for its 5th annual Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center in Kyle.
According to a press release, the event theme “Ready. Prep. Go.” is a call for Hays County residents to be ready for any emergency that comes their way through being prepared.
“We’re helping to build a stronger, more resilient community through self-sufficiency, preparedness and willingness to take care of yourself and your family in the event of a disaster or emergency,” said Mike Jones, emergency services office director.
Jones used the February 2021 Central Texas winter storm that cut off power and water for days as one reason to attend the fair.
“Knowing what to do in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death,” said Brandon Hig, OES assistant director and CERT program administrator.
Attendees can learn how to make preparedness kits, listen to experts talk about ways to be ready for any natural disasters like freezes and droughts, and learn about the county’s emergency alert system (WarnCentralTexas.org).
Vendors and demonstrators will also teach attendees what documents to take in case of evacuation, how to identify edible plants and flowers, how to handle financial issues after a crisis and insurance coverage.
The fair will also feature a variety of first responders around Hays County. There will be food trucks, vendors, performances by local school bands, a silent auction and a raffle. Proceeds from the raffle and silent auction will go toward the Blanco River Recovery Team and the Hays County Fire Chief’s Association.
Those interested in learning more about the fair can visit https://haysinformed.com.
Individuals who are interested in hosting a booth or donating a silent auction item can contact Michelle Villegas at [email protected].
