Local Fair Preps Area Residents for Hurricane Season

With an active hurricane season behind us and another one forecast, residents are looking to better prepare themselves this year. Morristown recently hosted a Preparedness Fair on Saturday.

The event was sponsored by the Morristown congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Morristown Office of Emergency Management.  

“The fair will bring more awareness about being prepared before the next event comes,” said Bishop Mark McBride of the Morristown congregation of the Church. ”We need to prepare ourselves and then be able to help others.”

Familes came out to learn how to prepare 72-hour emergency supply kits for themselves and their pets, how to choose and use a generator and how to get involved in local emergency preparedness organizations.

“During a disaster it is vital to keep informed about what is going on,” said Captain Steven Sarinelli of the Morristown Office of Emergency Management. “Check ahead of time with your local municipality about communication channels so you can follow advisories. When disasters come, a prepared public, aware of risks, should be ready to sustain themselves until a full response can be made.” 

There were 13 information booths and kid-friendly activities such as a “scavenger hunt” activity booklet and a bicycle safety course, according to a press release.

“Preparation should begin early,” said FEMA Private Sector Specialist Pamela Mason. “People tend to become complacent about six months after a disaster. Now is the time to prepare, while things are calm.”

There was also a bake sale to raise funds for the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund and the Morristown Office of Emergency Management, a sno-cone and popcorn sale by the youth to help St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center and the Interfaith Food Pantry.  There was a collection of non-perishable staples for the food pantry and food and animal health items for St. Hubert’s.

Other participating organizations included the American Red Cross, the Morristown Police and Fire Departments, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, Esposito Electric, Hanover Powersports, and Get Out Safe.