Crawford Announces F.I.R.S.T. Disaster Preparedness Exposition

Press Release

In cooperation with the Regional Center for Disaster Preparedness Education at Arkansas State University and the Craighead County Office of Emergency Management, Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-1) today announced the F.I.R.S.T. (Families Immediate Response through Safety and Technology) Disaster Preparedness Exposition for Arkansas families and first responders. The event is free and open to the public on Saturday, October 22, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the St. Bernards Auditorium, 505 E. Washington, Jonesboro.

"The 1st District of Arkansas is prone to all sorts of disasters, both natural and man-made. Families in the 1st District of Arkansas can't prevent those disasters from happening, but they can familiarize themselves with the latest safety information and technology in order to keep themselves safe when disasters do strike," said Congressman Rick Crawford. "The F.I.R.S.T Expo is free and open to everyone who wants to learn more about the most up-to-date practices to protect their communities should the worst occur."

Emergency Education Topics

More than 30 local government agencies, organizations, and first responders will be on site to provide Arkansas families with the knowledge and tools they need to be prepared for any emergency. Topics will include Zika virus information, K-9 search and rescue dogs, earthquake preparedness, a helicopter simulator, Smart 911 registration, emergency response vehicles, a tornado simulator, amateur radio, hazmat decontamination, and much more.

"The Regional Center for Disaster Preparedness Education is delighted to co-sponsor the Congressman's F.I.R.S.T event for preparedness. Our mission has always been to bridge the gap between academia and practice for not only the first responders and emergency management community, but also for the public," said Deborah Persell, Director of the Regional Center. "This event provides an opportunity to personally meet disaster preparedness professionals and learn about preparedness or ask questions. It can increase not only the public's personal resilience but also our community's resilience in the face of disaster."

Kids Safety Zone

In a "Kids Safety Zone" section of the F.I.R.S.T. Expo, the Jonesboro Police Department will provide child ID finger printing. The local chapter of the American Red Cross and the Save the Children Foundation will feature a fire safety house. In Case of Emergency (ICE) ID cards, activities, games, and stories will also be available to children at the F.I.R.S.T Expo.

On the importance of the event for public safety, the Craighead County Office of Emergency Management stated, "We'd like to reinforce the importance of being prepared for any type of disaster, natural or man-made. We hope that the F.I.R.S.T Exposition will be a good learning experience for the public."

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