Newcastle's Preparedness Expo Gets Residents Ready For Disaster

For the first time, the City of Newcastle held an Emergency Preparedness Expo, where response teams from across the state met up to pass along much-needed tips before any disaster strikes.

Saturday, October 11th 2014, 10:55 pm

By: News 9


For the first time, the City of Newcastle held an Emergency Preparedness Expo, where response teams from across the state met up to pass along much-needed tips before any disaster strikes.

Whatever the emergency, radio operator Larry Goodwin said he is ready and equipped with an array of amateur radios to stay informed and communicate.

"We can pick up one frequency and put out another frequency, take our hand-held out a couple miles from our vehicle, and still be broadcasting through our 50 or 100-watt radio in our vehicle," said Goodwin.

The radio display was one of many at the expo held inside the Newcastle Storm Shelter. Members of the Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT along with police and fire officials told attendees what to have in their homes in prep for a disaster.

"If the emergency services cannot get to you quickly like in a big event, you have at least have some background info for how to take care of your family at the onset until somebody can," said Johnny Wingate, Assistant Emergency Manager for the City of Newcastle.

There were displays of a 72-hour kit, filled with powdered goods, a plastic bag of medicine and canned preserves and other food. Plenty of flashlights, tape, batteries and first-aid kits were also on hand.

The Oklahoma Blood Institute held a blood drive, and there was even a table for how to prep your garden for an emergency.

"Pruning should be done from the day it's planted," said gardener Wes Lee.

“When it comes to strawberries, there are a few varieties that if they're developed, they will tolerate the heat better.”

It was helpful information that Tuttle couple Brenda and Jim Miller said they appreciated.

"I'm not sure you can ever be too prepared, especially if you have a big family because you don't want to run out of something they need, I had been wanting to learn how to can meat and I got some great tips and ideas,” said Brenda Miller.

The organization Oklahoma Strong was also at the expo providing information for how it can help communities recover after a disaster.

Learn more about Oklahoma Strong.

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