USU Extension Sponsors Utah Prepare Conference and Expo

Utah Prepare - First aid kit and hard hatUtahns interested in learning about emergency preparedness can visit the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for workshops, speakers, emergency preparedness vendors, door prizes and giveaways.

"We began this Utah State University Extension-sponsored conference in 2009 to help people understand there are things they can do to be in charge, even when there is much out of their control during an emergency,” said Teresa Hunsaker, USU Extension family and consumer sciences agent. “By thinking ahead and having necessary items on hand, they can better ride out the storm, so to speak."

Workshop topics include gardening, using dry milk, gluten-free food storage, sheltering in place, emergency fuel storage, emergency communications, behind the scenes of major disasters, keeping kids safe, Dutch oven cooking, financial preparedness, living in tents, powerless cooking, special needs preparation, water purification and storage, survival tips from the experts and more. In addition is a family passport activity.

Keynote speaker is Lori Prichard, morning anchor for KSL TV, who will share her first-hand experience with preparedness while in Joplin, Missouri.

"We really try to have this be a one-stop shop where Utahns can become educated and learn what they can do to help themselves, their families and their pets in the event of various emergency scenarios,” said Hunsaker. “Our goal is to help keep damage and casualties to a minimum, should one of these events take place. We will have more than 50 vendors to help us with this effort."

Cost of the conference is $5.  Tickets are available online or at the door. Visit utahprepare.com for registration and further information.

Writer: Julene Reese, 435-797-0810
Contact: Teresa Hunsaker, 801-399-8200