Montgomery County is gearing up to host a Public Safety Fair in Silver Spring, setting the stage for a day dedicated to emergency preparedness and public safety awareness. The county's Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) is leading the event, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13, as part of National Preparedness Month. Taking place at Wheaton Local Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the fair offers a free opportunity for residents to engage with safety experts and gather critical information, according to the information obtained from the county's announcement.
According to Montgomery County Local officials, including Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, they encouraged residents to attend the Public Safety Fair. Elrich said, "Emergencies and disasters can strike at any time, and being prepared can make the difference between life and death or serious injury," and urged participants to "learn how to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones." The fair will feature activities such as CPR and AED training and face-painting for children, with experts available to demonstrate skills and provide information.
According to the county's announcement, the Public Safety Fair will feature emergency preparedness talks, bleeding control demonstrations, and public safety resource tables. The event will also include lawn games, shaved ice, and touch-a-truck sessions where attendees can view emergency vehicles up close. Additionally, participants will have opportunities to receive CPR and AED training.
A coalition of groups, including the County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), the American Red Cross, and the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center, will participate in the Public Safety Fair. The county’s announcement also encourages residents to sign up for Alert Montgomery, a system that delivers emergency notifications directly to individuals’ devices.
As reported by Montgomery County, the Public Safety Fair aligns with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's "Ready Campaign," which provides communities with tools to prepare for emergencies. The fair is one of several initiatives nationwide aimed at encouraging proactive emergency preparedness.
