How Will You Prepare for an Emergency?

Whether it's bioterrororism or a hurricane, being prepared for an emergency can be critical.

William Meyer, a junior at Princeton High School has organized an Emergency Preparedness Seminar on Saturday, June 9 at Princeton Public Library's Community Room from 4-6 p.m. 

The project is Meyer's eagle service project for Princeton Boy Scout Troop 43. Meyer has been involved in scouting since age 8 and is now a Senior Patrol Leader of the Troop. 

"Last year, thousands of Princeton residents were taken by surprise when Hurricane Irene rolled into the Northeast," Meyer said. "Concerned citizens bought out grocery stores for supplies, and many were left without power for over a week. That was only a mild part of the storm. Imagine if Princeton had really been at the center of a disaster. Whether it’s a hurricane, a massive fire, or even a biological attack, the government is ready to act. But do you know what would happen? Do you know what you would have to do to protect yourself and your family?"

Event speakers will include Dr. Laura Kahn, a research scholar at Princeton University and the author of Who's In Charge?: Leadership during Epidemics, Bioterror Attacks, and Other Public Health Crises. She will speak about what would happen, and who would be in charge, in the event of a biological attack. Doug Rega, an EMT with Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, will discuss how local emergency personnel respond to an emergency and what you can do to prepare yourself.