Hundreds of people attended the 8th annual Day of Preparedness, this year on September 23 at the Commodore lower gym. The event featured information booths hosted by many of Bainbridge Prepares’ volunteer teams, the City of Bainbridge Island, the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Island School, and event sponsor Puget Sound Energy. Ready Raccoon made the rounds so kids could take selfies and stare at Ready’s giant raccoon head.

Attendees turned in old fire extinguishers for recharged ones and practiced firing them off (50 fire extinguishers were given out thanks to donations by Peninsula Fire), upgraded their first aid kit supplies for free, attended the Wildfire Town Hall, tried out the Gear Grinders’ bike safety course, checked their personal flotation devices and car seats for fit, filled up on information and free supplies—including pet treats and bandannas, reflective slap bracelets, whistles, ponchos, hand sanitizer, light sticks, mini first aid kits, mylar blankets, coloring books, and even free milk crates (!)—and, most important, asked scores of questions of the volunteers staffing the booths.

People learned how to set up disaster sanitation stations, stock up on emergency and first aid supplies, and sign up their neighborhoods for the Map Your Neighborhood program. They learned about tsunamis, energy rebates, fire safety, post-disaster pet care, reuniting families after a disaster, food sustainability, and securing furniture and equipment for earthquakes. They learned where the nearest disaster hubs are located and gathered information materials for neighbors and family.

Missed the event this year? Stay tuned for announcements about next September’s event and the upcoming Great Shakeout in October.