Lake Oswego residents can learn earthquake, flood and fire safety skills at an Emergency Preparedness Fair on Thursday, Sept. 24, at City Hall, 380 A Avenue.

The fair runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and is open to the public. More than 20 informational booths and live demonstrations will fill the site, and attendees can take home free three-gallon water containers, according to the city's event page.

Demonstrations will cover hands-on skills residents could need after a major disaster. Attendees can learn how to shut off water and natural gas lines, stop bleeding, fill and stack sandbags for flood protection, use emergency radios and manage hazard trees.

A central theme is household self-sufficiency. Booths will explain how families can prepare to sustain themselves for two weeks after a disaster strikes, covering supply kits, communication plans and resource stockpiling. The city said on its website that the fair has "something for everyone," whether residents are building their first emergency kit or expanding an existing plan.

Kids get their own lineup. A fire safety obstacle course and tours of emergency vehicles are planned for younger attendees.

The Lake Oswego Police Department's new K9, Shadow, may also make an appearance. The city noted the K9 visit is tentative.

The Lake Oswego Review first reported the full slate of fair activities on Saturday, Sept. 12. The city's Community Health & Resiliency Advisory Board (CHRAB), which helps guide the city's disaster-readiness efforts, discussed the fair at its Thursday, Sept. 10 meeting, according to the board's agenda.

The Lake Oswego Public Library's Rover bookmobile will also be on site as a partner event. Visitors can browse and check out materials for all ages, sign up for a library card and learn about library resources. For bookmobile questions, contact the library at 503-675-3996 or [email protected].

Upcoming community dates

  • Thursday, Sept. 24: Emergency Preparedness Fair, 4-6 p.m., Lake Oswego City Hall, 380 A Avenue
  • Thursday, Oct. 8: CHRAB meeting, Lake Oswego Adult Community Center