By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews
YACHATS — Disasters aren’t fun to think about, but wildfires, landslides and earthquakes are even less fun to experience — so “Be Prepared, Not Scared!” is the theme of the Yachats Emergency Preparedness Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Commons.
Right in the middle of National Preparedness Month, the city’s Emergency Preparedness Committee has assembled a full, free day of family-friendly presentations and tips for helping residents and visitors cope with natural disasters.
Speakers from a range of state, county and local organizations who will be on hand to share advice and printed information, while a special children’s area will focus on young ones. And, pre-packed “Go Bags” will be available for sale.
“There have been too many potential disasters in our area — not just the threat of tsunami, but fires, landslides and earthquakes — not to be ready,” said Linn West, co-chair of the fair and interim chair of the Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Wildfires to the north and a landslide to the south that cut Yachats off from Florence are examples of threats that can leave residents and visitors isolated in case of disaster.
“If we are cut off in any way, we will be the last area to be helped” by emergency services, West said. This is due to the small size of the population, and the lack of access to the city if the bridges north and south of Yachats, along with highways into the Willamette Valley, become impassable.
The Go Bags, priced at $35, are basically a backpack starter kit for being prepared. Each includes an emergency poncho, water filter straw, water bottle, first aid kit and more, plus a list of additional recommended supplies. The pre-packed bags will also be available for purchase at City Hall.
Information stations will be set up by several organizations including the Yachats fire department, Oregon State First Aid for Pets, Lincoln County Public Health, the U.S. Forest Service — plus a special appearance by Smokey Bear.
Yachats resident Tracy Crews and the staff from Oregon Sea Grant will host a special room for children, offering hands-on interaction activities for emergency preparedness.
Attendees will also have opportunities to view fire trucks and ask questions, as well as view the contents of one of the city’s emergency caches.
Questions about the event may be emailed to fair co-chair Kathryn Torrence at grants@yachatsmail.org.
Those who want to take an active role in helping Yachats prepare for emergencies are urged to consider joining the emergency committee. “We’ve added several members in the last few months, and welcome new members,” said West. Potential volunteers may start by filling out a volunteer form on the city website.
