If a zombie apocalypse happened would your family be prepared? The Hamilton County Health Dept. and supporting coalition partners are hosting an information session from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 23 to discuss the recent zombie pop culture phenomenon and what would happen in the event of a major disaster within the community.
“It’s a clever way to get some folks attention,” Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Chad Jenkins said. “A couple of years ago, the CDC created a Zombie Preparation program to create a 72-hour preparation kit.”
The event will be held at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville. It is free and open to the public but not suitable for those under the age of 13. Jenkins said the focus is not on zombies coming for your brains but ways residents can be better prepared for any disaster – more likely a pandemic, tornado, flood or earthquake.
“It’s not my intent to scare anybody,” he said. “We’re engaging the community in a fun way. It’s the first time we’re doing something on this scale.”
Jenkins said the program will discuss what the county is really doing to support the community during a public health disaster and what residents can do to be involved and keep their family safe.
“What has your health medical community done with their tax payer dollars to prepare for emergencies? This showcases what we have been doing over the past four to five years for them,” he said.
Jenkins said the program will highlight three areas including public health emergencies and public safety, and what a home preparedness kit should look like.
“If you were isolated at home from a snowstorm or flood, or there were zombies outside, could you stay at home for 72 hours?” Jenkins said. “We’re stretching (necessities) over 12 to 15 weeks to make it affordable.”
The third topic is the role of the community and how can they help, with Mandy Stirratt of the Indiana State Dept. of Health.
“We’ll list volunteer organizations they could participate in right now with their existing skill sets,” Jenkins said.
The first 150 families will receive a free gift, and those who are registered will be entered into a free drawing for emergency supplies from Walmart. To register, visit www.hcprepareszombies.eventbrite.com.
