Afternoon All,
The High River Emergency Preparedness Expo was a great success. One organizer I spoke with said they had well over 600 visitors. Twice the number he was hoping for.
Not bad, since it snowed the entire time the Expo was open. And the wind was a bit chilly.
Who was there.....The Town of High River, the RCMP, EMS, the Fire Department, Alberta Health Services, Foothills Search & Rescue, Canadian Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, ATCO - power and gas, Alberta Emergency Management Agency, the Humane Society, Tervita and volunteers from the Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). As well, there were a couple tables from small business owners - acu-punture, sandbag alternatives, and GM Mechanical - our local plumbing and gasfitting company.
The Fire Dept had their airboat out on the playfield burning donuts and screaming across the snow. Very loud and showing. Attracted a lot of attention.
So, what did I think. I think the Town did a great job of getting folks to the Expo. No complaints there. Great job.
But, my one observation was that once there, the visitors were not encouraged or engaged enough to stay longer than the 15 to 30 minutes to visit each indoor table, pick-up a few handouts and then stop by a few of the outdoor exhibits while returning to their vehicle.
Groups like Plan C, Scouts Canada, Canadian Cadet Corps, Junior Forest Wardens, could have added another dimension to the handouts and vehicle displays. Not everyone was ready for the next level, but for those who were, they had nothing to gleen from their visit. IMHO.
I did make some contacts with the "right" persons at townhall. So, maybe I can eventually be in a position to offer suggestions to take a great event to the next level and make it one not-to-miss.
Calgary, tomorrow is your turn. I heard from those at the Salvation Army, that at McMahon Stadium there will be an emergency preparedness expo. Last year it was a heat wave, this year looks like the snow may continue into tomorrow. Dress for the weather. I will not be there, unfortunately.
Sunday 04 May 2014, is the start of National Emergency Preparedness Week, so, get involved, get out there and do or learn something this week.
Cheers,
V. Andrew.
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