SU Hosts Disaster Preparedness Presentation October 26

SALISBURY, MD---Dr. Clara Small, professor of history in Salisbury University’s Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts, witnessed a disaster situation first hand when Hurricane Floyd tore through her home state of North Carolina eight years ago. The problems that affected residents there illustrated to her the importance of being prepared for the worst.

To provide the campus and community information on becoming better prepared for a natural disaster or other emergency situation, Small, in conjunction with local groups and agencies, hosts a Disaster Preparedness Presentation 3:30 p.m. Thursday, October 26, in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center.

“It’s not to frighten anyone but to try to prepare each and every one of us,” Small said. Mary Alice Vanhoy, EMS Nurse Coordinator at Shore Health System in Easton, MD, will conduct the presentation.

The focus is on personal and family preparedness for common situations that happen in this area, Vanhoy said. Steps include creating a plan with other family members and children, mapping routes from facilities and planning for pets. “We never know when a disaster will happen,” Vanhoy said. “You and your family may potentially be separated and you want to know what to do to be safe.”

Small said disaster preparedness is especially important because the area is so prone to flooding. “Just show up because this is a shared experience,” she said. “If one person is affected, we all will be.”

Sponsored by the Office of the President, the Fulton School of Liberal Arts, The Links, Incorporated – Princess Anne chapter, and Pi Gamma Mu international honor society in the social sciences, the presentation is free and the public is invited.  Light refreshments will be served.  For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.