Julie Kallas, Reno County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, gave a fact-filled, interactive presentation about “Disaster Planning and Preparedness” during a Child Care Training Event on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at Our Father's House, 1505 E. 20th Ave. in Hutchinson. The training event was sponsored by the Reno County Child Care Task Force and was a free training for child care providers to get their in-service hours. 

Kallas spoke to child care providers about having emergency preparedness plans in place with all pertinent information easily accessible, having emergency bags ready to go with specifics on what items should be packed per person, and practicing disaster drills with the children in their care. Kallas presented the information on a large screen and went through each item that she carries in her emergency preparedness bag.

Kallas sent out a survey after the presentation and she received positive comments. Responses to the question, “From your perspective, what were the strongest aspects or elements of the Preparedness Presentation?” included “The strongest was that she gave us ideas we wouldn’t normally think of. She was even encouraging us that she could come to our homes and help us out to go over our action plans and brainstorm.” Another was visually going through “the list of supplies one would need and how much of each item per person.” 

All the respondents felt that they had an enhanced understanding of preparedness in their workplace and felt equipped to implement the preparedness tools that were presented.  

Other responses included “I loved the course, and she did an amazing job! Julie showed us some online tools that we can use for our littles to have them more involved in our preparations.” Also, “It was fun, enjoyable and educational.” 

If you would like Julie Kallas to assist your business/organization with Emergency Preparedness, contact the Reno County Health Department at 620-694-2900.