Preparing for an emergency

Local safety groups offer people chance to learn through fair

RYAN BLAKE, Evergreen reporter

The Brelsford WSU Visitor Center will host a free community safety fair to answer questions and showcase equipment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Pullman Police Cmdr. Chris Tennant said the fair is a great opportunity for children to meet with first responders outside of an emergency situation.

“If you’re dialing 911, this is not the time to meet and greet,” Tennant said. “You’re not having a good day, you’re generally in a crisis and it’s usually a bad experience. These types of events are a way to provide positive experience prior to you having a bad day, especially with youth.”

Fire trucks, an ambulance and vehicle extraction tools will be on display outside the visitor center. Equipment will be demonstrated throughout the event, including an interactive fire extinguisher, police drones and an agility training course.

A complete vehicle extraction will take place at noon and will show how a trapped person can be removed from a car.

An emergency and safety resource fair will take place inside the visitor center. WSU Environmental Health and Safety, WSU Health and Wellness, WSU Emergency Management, Whitcom, WSU Police Department, Pullman Police Department, Pullman Fire Department and others will be available to answer questions and provide information.

Parents can also bring their children’s car seat for inspection by trained technicians and CPR demonstrations will be offered.

Free snacks and beverages will be provided and participants can enter a free raffle that will be drawn throughout the event for prizes from local businesses.

Parking for the free event will be available in the Pullman and WSU campus parking lots along Spring Street.

Go to visitor.wsu.edu for more information.