Insurance, financial reps sought for Aug. 31 preparedness expo

Anyone interested in learning how to better prepare for whatever natural or manmade emergency comes their way will want to save the date – Saturday, Aug. 31 – when the 2nd Annual Kerr County Emergency Preparedness Expo will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Happy State Bank Expo Hall of the Hill Country Youth Event Center, 3785 TX-27 in Kerrville.

              In its debut last year, the expo featured 41 different vendors who offered displays and educated visitors about all manner of emergency/disaster preparedness plans and products.

“This year, we’re looking to make it even bigger and better,” said Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator William B. “Dub” Thomas. “We are inviting additional vendors who the public might find of interest.”

In particular, Thomas said he is looking to add representatives from the insurance industry who can assist people in preparing their homes to not only reduce the effects of certain disasters, but also to set them up for faster recovery.

Also, Thomas said he is looking for representatives from the financial industry, who could instruct people on how to protect and even recover their financial assets in times of disaster.

“If you are interested in becoming a participating vendor in this year’s expo, please email me at wthomas@co.kerr.tx.us or call me at the office, 830-315-2430,” Thomas said.

The newly minted county expo is the brainchild of Kerr County Emergency Management and is co-sponsored by the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office and Hill Country Preppers.

It is designed to educate citizens on how to properly prepare for any type of disaster by giving them free access to a wide assortment of products and ideas offered by numerous experts all under the same roof.

This year’s roster of vendors is expected to be similar to last year’s inaugural event, which featured the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB), the Kerr County Emergency Response Team (CERT), Hill Country Preppers, the Kerrville Police Department, Team Rubicon, Texas Baptist Men, Central Texas Electric Co-Op (CTECT), local volunteer fire departments and others.

Topics are expected to range from how to store emergency food, water and other provisions to first aid and from personal defense measures to safeguarding a business so it weathers hardships, and more.

“In no other place will you be able to find out so much helpful information from experts, get answers to individualized questions, discuss possible scenarios, and inform yourself on how to prepare for disasters, minimize risks and mitigate the hazards of adverse events that may come your way,” Thomas said.

“We’re putting our plan into action for this year’s event,” Thomas said. “We welcome you to come join our list of featured vendors and be a part of something that will help your community.”