FEMA Family Preparedness Day Scheduled
Festival of Learning Sunday, May 21 in Lake Charles
Release Date: May 18, 2006
Release Number: 1603-477
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LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Family Preparedness Day will be held in Louisiana on Sunday, with entertainment, food and learning in Lake Charles. The fun will be woven into the essential work of planning for the uncertainty of the upcoming hurricane season.
The event begins at noon and will feature important information and free supplies to help prepare individuals and families to find safe shelter inside their homes, or to evacuate their homes or neighborhoods during any emergency.
Family Preparedness Day is bringing together many organizations to present emergency preparedness information in an atmosphere which will make learning fun, according to event organizers in Louisiana and The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Parents and children will be able to gather emergency supplies and decide where they will find safe shelter for themselves and their pets in the event of any kind of dangerous storm.
Many of the items which go into an emergency supply kit will be provided free at the event during games and activities. Free beverages and snacks, raffles, face painting and performances will be available at the Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheatre and Grounds.
Family Preparedness Day at a glance:
Date: Sunday, May 21, 2006
Location: Lake Charles Civic Center Amphitheatre and Grounds, 900 Lakeshore Drive
Time: Noon - 4:30 p.m.
Educational activities and materials:
- Guides to disaster preparedness
- How to assemble a family disaster kit with a scavenger hunt and a grab-and-go for free stuff
- How to create a family communication plan
- How to assist the elderly and disabled before and during a disaster
- Children's workshop
- How to help children prepare and cope
- Displays and information from participating organizations
- Information for pet owners
Sponsors, contributors and participants:
- American Red Cross of Lake Charles
- Americorps
- Apex Broadcasting Group
- Calcasieu Department of Animal Services - Bus and Display
- Calcasieu Women's Shelter
- City of Lake Charles, Mayor's Office
- City of Lake Charles, Department of Recreation and Parks - Moon Bounces and Carnival Games
- Coca Cola - Free Refreshments
- Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana
- Frito Lay
- Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
- Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
- Louisiana State Police
- Mary Williams - Mini Music Fest coordinator
- McDonald's
- Southwest Louisiana Independent Living Center - SLIC
- The Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Louisiana
- Volunteer Center and 211
- Volunteers of America, Southwest Louisiana Programs
A companion FEMA Family Preparedness event will be held at Tulane University in New Orleans on the same day with many of the same activities.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 18-May-2006 10:38:46