YMCA ‘survivalist’ event this weekend

YMCA of Van Wert County news

With the recent events that have happened in Boston and the explosion in Texas, it leaves people wondering if they would be prepared for a disaster if it happened here.

The likelihood that area residents and their families would survive a house fire depends as much on having a working smoke detector and an exit strategy as on a well-trained fire department. The same is true for surviving a terrorist attack or other emergency. People must have the tools and plans in place to make it on their own, at least for a period of time, no matter where they are when disaster strikes. Just like having a working smoke detector, preparing for the unexpected makes sense.

YMCA Camp Clay Facilitator Clint Myers is again bringing an emergency preparedness “Bug Out” event to Camp Clay. The event will be for those interested in practicing their “bug out” skills and learning how to be more prepared in an emergency situation. The event is endorsed by the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department, Office of Homeland Security/EMA and the American Red Cross.

With this endorsement, Saturday’s events will host a Van Wert County Sheriff question and answer session on “What is Martial Law” from 10-11 a.m., while from 11 a.m.-noon, will be “Food Storage on a Budget.” From 1-3 p.m., Rick McCoy, Homeland Security/EMA director, will present “History of Van Wert County, Disasters and Responses”.  Saturday’s events are open to the public, with a $5 fee for the day to attend all of these programs.

Several other classes will be offered over the weekend, such as “Food Storage”, “Bug Out Bags”, “Inexpensive “Prepping”, “Water Preparation”, “Self Defense”, and other topics.

Community members will be invited to walk through and learn from these individuals how to be strong enough to depend on themselves in an emergency. 

The site will provide space for camping, showers, restrooms, training classes, water and organized activities (guitars and harmonicas welcome). Participants need to bring their own food and whatever else is in their bug out prep to make their own camp generators, solar pv, and wind power.

Those attending can be as primitive or modern as they want, but no electric will be directly provided to camps. Cost to camp will be $20 per adult and $10 per child for the weekend. Participants are able to set up as early as Thursday and the event is open to public starting Saturday at 10 a.m. Those who have “prepper” type items for sale are more than welcome to do so for a $25 vendor fee.

Information about this and any other programs available through the Van Wert YMCA can be found by calling 419.238.0443 or visiting the YMCA website at www.vwymca.org.