Are you PREPared? Get involved with annual emergency fair

The Puna Regional Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Fair — now, more than ever — will be the place to go between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Keaau High School.

“As prepared as we all may have thought we were when Tropical Storm Iselle arrived, going without some of the necessities we are used to — like electricity, water and many other things we take for granted — has motivated better emergency planning and preparation,” said fair co-chairperson Marlene Hapai, who also leads the Puna Community Development Plan Connectivity and Emergency Response Subcommittee.

Volunteers are still needed, and a final volunteer training is slated for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Keaau Community Center.

“To see how you can help, contact volunteer coordinator Toni Robert at tonihccda@gmail.com and be part of our training session,” Hapai said.

“The fair is free to all and everyone is encouraged to see how you can better prepare for emergencies.”

Created last year to address all aspects of emergency preparedness, the PREP Fair once again will provide interactive exhibits, workshops and demonstrations focusing on emergency routes, centers and shelters, planning, training, communications, security and sustainability.

Added this year are exhibits about social connectivity and community resources. Interactions with exhibitors, for those 18 and older, will provide fairgoers with lucky number tickets to qualify for prizes, to include emergency preparedness starter-kit bags. Children’s activities will give the younger ones things to make-and-take and other prizes.

Students in grades 9-12 are invited to visit the career explorations booth, pick up a card, visit 10 booths with “C’s” on them for “careers” and return for a prize.

The cafetorium will be divided into “Emergency Planning for Families” workshops, provided by Hawaii County Civil Defense, and mapping activities to include opportunities for newcomers to the fair to map their way out of their area of residence and suggest alternative routes, should these areas be blocked.

Also, those who attended last year, as well as other fair attendees, are invited to provide community input regarding “connectivity location” suggestions given at last year’s fair.

“Last year’s suggestions have been prioritized for implementation and funding using criteria from both the Puna Community Development Plan and the County of Hawaii Department of Public Works,” Hapai explained.

As a community-driven process, more input will be encouraged while viable connections are selected and alternatives are sought for those not feasible.

For further information about the fair, including businesses or individuals who would like to help sponsor the event, contact Hapai at 966-9894 or mhapai@aol.com.