Alexandria — Disaster preparedness is something most of us prefer not to think about, but keeping our families safe and ready for any emergency should be job one. Here in the Washington area, it’s especially important. The violent summer storm that blew through our region on June 29 and knocked out electricity, phones and key emergency services is a powerful reminder of our vulnerability. So too is our close proximity to the nation’s capital, which makes us susceptible to terrorist attack.
On Aug. 25, Inova Alexandria Hospital is hosting the 2nd annual Emergency Management/Preparedness and Safety Fair in partnership with the City of Alexandria. More than 25 vendors, including police, fire, health and safety organizations, will share simple precautions to help you and your family be ready for a wide range of emergency scenarios.
Details
Inova Alexandria Hospital’s second annual Emergency Management/Preparedness and Safety Fair takes place on Saturday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Howard Street Parking Lot across from the hospital campus. Admission is free. For more information, email angela.vigil@inova.….
The fair is part of our hospital’s commitment to keep the community healthy and safe.
Featured participants include the City of Alexandria Fire and Health Departments, the American Red Cross, CrisisLink hotline, the Medical Reserve Corps, private security companies and more. The Alexandria Police Department will show off its Mobile Command Unit, and the Sheriff’s Department will provide child fingerprinting and photos. We’ll share accident prevention strategies from our Emergency Department staff and stroke prevention tips from our nationally acclaimed Primary Stroke Center experts.
And because it wouldn’t be a fair without food and fun, we’ll have plenty of both. Family activities include a moon bounce, petting zoo, face painting and K-9 officer show.
You can take home an emergency preparedness guidebook with easy ways to stay safe in various situations. It features a family communication plan, emergency supply list and websites for critical services. These booklets came in handy just 10 days after last year’s fair, when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Washington area. Many folks told us the instructions helped them know what to do — and what not to do — during the quake.
Are you prepared for a disaster? Be informed. Be ready. See you at the Safety Fair.