Attendees at the Hays County eighth annual Emergency Preparedness Fair will be able to connect with emergency first responders, similar to last year's event. (Courtesy Hays County)
The preparedness fair aims to educate community members on preparing for disasters while raising funds for Hays County first responders.
“This event is about more than preparation; it’s about connection,” said Mike Jones, Hays County Office of Emergency Services director, in a news release. “The goal is to communicate the preparedness message to all residents to better protect life and property in impending and unexpected disasters, natural or manmade—an all-hazards approach.”
The event will include hands-on safety demonstrations, such as:
Stop the Bleed
Take 10 CPR
Fire extinguisher training
Recognizing signs of heat stroke and exhaustion
Building a personalized emergency go-kit
Attendees will also be able to connect with local first responders and explore fire engines and rescue units.
Texas Search and Rescue team member at the 2024 Hays County Emergency Preparedness Fair. (Courtesy Hays County)
The third annual Top Dawg Chili Cook-Off will also be held during the preparedness fair, with proceeds going to the Hays County Fire Chiefs Association for training and replacing lost equipment during wildfire responses. Guests can purchase a $20 wristband to sample and vote for their favorite chili.
The eighth annual Emergency Preparedness Fair will also feature a chili cook off to raise funds for first responders. (Courtesy Hays County)
The event will also feature live music from local acts, including local high school bands, Two Tons of Steel and the Cody Sparks Band.
The Hays County Commissioners Court recently adopted the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan, which aims to reduce impacts of weather hazards on both people and property in the region.
