Reading, PA – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted an emergency preparedness fair for the greater Reading community on Saturday, September 13, 2026. It was a huge success – preparing can be fun when you are surrounded by your community and when it is not an actual emergency.
Muhlenberg Township Authority, Muhlenberg EMS, Tower Direct, Berks County Emergency Services, The Nature Nurture Center and Muhlenberg Township Police Department were also in attendance to lend their expertise and showcase how they support the community in emergencies. Hundreds of people stopped to talk to them and asked thoughtful questions. More than one agency commented that they would be happy to participate again next year.
What happened during those 4 hours? Neighbors learned how to make a bucket toilet, ate fresh off the grill tortillas, watched a flooding demonstration, listened to experts on water shut-off procedures, first aid, 72-hour kits, car kits, pet safety, insurance, emotional resilience, storing a 3-month food supply, budgeting for emergencies, filling out an emergency plan, emergency communication, water filtration, alternative power sources, small space gardening, Dutch oven cooking and handling a fire extinguisher properly. There were hands-on activities including a sandbag filling race and a fire safety obstacle course. One child said, “I want to go back and do that again!”.
A free hot dog lunch was also provided as attendees stayed to enjoy the festive atmosphere. For those with a sweet tooth, there was cotton candy and for those preferring something saltier, fresh popped popcorn was also available.
Shawn Borup, Emergency Preparedness Fair Committee Chair, commented, “The 25 booths provided comprehensive information on how to prepare for any emergency. Keeping our families safe and having essentials for daily life gives peace of mind when the unexpected happens.”
The preparations will continue with a 2027 Free Community Emergency Preparedness Fair.
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