Owensboro Health hosted its third annual Emergency Preparedness Expo on Thursday, offering interactive demonstrations ranging from fire safety and outdoor survival skills to CPR and utility shut-offs for the schools, community groups, and local agencies in attendance.
Officials said several hundred attendees took part in the expo, from Owensboro Health team members to students and interested community members.
“This event is all about preparing our people and making sure they feel confident before, during, and after a disaster,” said Katie Case, Emergency Management Coordinator at Owensboro Health. “I’m really grateful for our community partners for being here. We couldn’t do it without them, and it’s been exciting to see the expo grow every year.”
Organizations inside and outside the hospital showcased hands-on learning opportunities. Owensboro Municipal Utilities, for example, demonstrated how water mains and hydrants work beneath the surface. Other stations provided practice in skills such as CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.
“As a hands-on learner myself, I think the interactive element is the best part,” Case said. “It helps people feel more comfortable with what to do in a real emergency, whether that’s shutting off power, applying a tourniquet, or responding to a medical crisis.”
Now in its third year, the expo has become a staple of National Preparedness Month, with Owensboro Health committed to continuing the educational event each year.
