Kerr to host Disaster Preparedness Expo this Saturday, Sept. 27

Kerr County residents, visitors and businesses will have a chance to become better prepared for whatever disasters they may face by attending the Kerr County Disaster Preparedness Expo this Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Hill Country Youth Event Center.

Admission and parking are free for this event, which will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Happy State Bank Expo Hall at the HCYEC, 3785 TX27 in Kerrville.

“The average person, especially one who has lived near the Guadalupe River for many years, will have a clue about the basics of disaster preparedness,” said Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator William B. "Dub" Thomas. “But, really, there’s so much more all of us can learn about how to best be prepared for and mitigate the effects of many types of disasters, whether they are natural like severe floods or tornadoes, or man-made, such as shootings or bombs.”

“We’ve got more participants this year, and we’re hoping we draw an even larger crowd than the 800 who showed up last year,” he added.

Some of the vendors include: the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Team Rubicon, the Texas Forest Service, local volunteer fire departments, Kerrville Public Utility Board, Central Texas Electric Cooperative, Kerrville Fire Department, Kerrville Police Department and others.

“We’ll have experts lined up and ready to answer questions on everything from generators to how to store food and water over the long-term and the best methods for personal defense to financial recovery, individual health and wellness,” Thomas said.

Also included will be a mobile blood drive to help remedy the severe shortage of blood supplies on hand for Texans, thanks to the folks at South Texas Blood and Tissue. To register for an appointment time, use this link: https://donor.southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/146583

There will be food vendors on site.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to come out and learn a little bit more about preparedness. And, possibly, find some products that will help them be more prepared,” Thomas said. “After all, the best way to experience a disaster of any kind is to meet it head-on – well-prepared and armed with the knowledge of how to deal with it.”

Joining Kerr County Emergency Management in hosting the event is the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office and Hill Country Preppers organization.

For more information on the event or to become a participating sponsor or exhibitor, contact Thomas by calling 830-315-2430 or by email at William.thomas@so.kerrcountytx.gov