2016 Pursuit of Preparedness

Douglas County Emergency Management successfully completed our 7th annual Pursuit of Preparedness Campaign on Monday, March 21st, 2016 with a presentation by Emergency Management staff to students at Baldwin City Elementary School Intermediate Center. The presentation included information on severe weather hazards for our area, as well as information on making an emergency plan, having an emergency kit, and staying informed before, during, and after an emergency/disaster.

In addition to the presentation, students are were given a basic emergency kit containing items that are were donated by local businesses and organizations in Douglas County who take an active stance in preparing the community for any emergency or disaster that may occur. These kits are the focal point of the Pursuit of Preparedness Campaign and included items such as water, a flashlight, hand sanitizer, hygiene items, a whistle, an emergency blanket, and many other items. Those who donated include: City of Baldwin City; Baldwin City Business & Professional Women; Paul Werner Architects; Black Hills Energy; Home Depot; River City Engineering; Midwest Diversified; Peterson, Krische, Van Horn DDS Family Dentistry; Wilkerson, Saunders, & Anderson DDS; City of Lecompton; Marisco’s Restaurant; Lawrence Surgery Center; Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas; Growing Smiles; Peoples Bank; Wal-Mart; Truity Credit Union; Kiwanis Club of Lawrence; Kansas Department of Transportation; Visiting Nurses; Sigler Pharmacy; American Red Cross of Douglas County; Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.; Big Heart Pet Brands; and Auburn Pharmacy.

The successful efforts of Douglas County Emergency Management and the 24 local businesses and organizations who donated kit items will help families of over 150 students better prepare themselves for an emergency or disaster. Since 2008, a total of 910 kits have been given away to Douglas County students through the Pursuit of Preparedness Campaign.