Zombies were invited from nether regions to prowl the halls of Dublin Georgia's Mall to help remind local residents of the need to prepare.
World Disaster Report and The Disaster Group, Inc. partnered with the Laurens County Emergency Management Agency and the local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster committee to produce the county's latest Preparedness Fair. Months of planning were brought to fruition on October 27th, 2012 as county, city, and local businesses worked together.
In addition to displays of county emergency response equipment, State of Georgia agencies sent personnel to inform the public. Local amateur radio operators set up and operated a local radio net allowing young people and opportunity to talk on HAM radio.
Fair organizers wanted to remind citizens that preparedness is more than having a list of things or a full cupboard.
Our sincere thanks go to committee members Susan Beckham, Peggy Bentz, Phil Bracewell, Patty Portwood, Dennis Smith and Don Bryant (Chief, Laurens County Rural Fire Defense), for allowing us to be a part of this great event.
Zombies came to check what supplies would be best to have in case they decided to hold an apocalypse event of their own.
Big Bird and Little bird in place at Dublin Mall. The Disaster Group and World Disaster Report are on scene. Our thanks for Dennis Smith (of Dublin Mall) for providing assistance in securing this great venue.
(above) the volunteer feeding unit from the Georgia Baptist Convention. These able volunteers informed us that this unit (Team 1F) can provide up to 5,000 meals per day, and has worked closely with other agencies to assist during major disasters.
We were also very pleased to observe the friendly interaction between helping volunteers from American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Georgia Baptist Convention. These good people epitomize the spirit of interactive support and service focused effort.
A local family visits the Salvation Army field unit
911 call center staff and trainee
Dublin County EMT shows a youngster around inside the ambulance
Clowns add some fun to the teaching process as the crowd looks on.
James Wells Memorial Amateur Radio Club (below) recruits new members and educates public on the role of HAM radio in disaster situations.
Zombies were fascinated by the safety training films (note that they even have their own task force T-shirts)
The American Red Cross team (Peggy Bentz and staff) shows off a newly donated truck that will help staff get vital supplies to those in need.
VA decon trailer and staff provide detailed explanations to visitors.
Rodney Soles (Certified Arborist) of Soles Tree Service provided an excellent presentation on chain saw safety. Chain saws are the source of many serious injuries during disaster relief work, and most users have never had proper instruction on how to use these tools safely.
