Scout plans emergency preparedness fair

Chris Peterson, 15, a Varsity Boy Scout, will present his Eagle Project, an Emergency Preparedness Fair, to Santa Marians Saturday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1219 Oak Knoll Road in Orcutt.

During the fair, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., many booths will display emergency preparedness information from local organizations.

Participants will find displays on proper food storage, water purification and other emergency procedures, according to a Sept. 9 press release from the council.

“In the last year, California has had numerous natural disasters, as well as tough economic times,” said Peterson's mother, Sandy Peterson. “Fires, floods, earthquakes, power outages, and loss of employment all cause stress on individuals and families who are not prepared.”

“After making a list of possible natural disasters, I saw that there were a lot of risks and that people are not aware of what could happen,” stated Chris Peterson, who is a Scout with the Los Padres Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Team #96, and a sophomore at Righetti High School. “Some families don't know what to do if a disaster does happen. That is why I decided to have an Emergency Preparedness Fair as my Eagle Project, to better educate my community.”

Peterson has been involved in Scouting for eight years.

The Eagle Scout class in the Boy Scouts of America is the highest rank achievable. To earn this award, a Scout must complete 21 merit badges and a 100-hour community service project.

For information about Boy Scouts and the Eagle Program, visit www.scouting.org.

Original At: http://www.santamariatimes.com:80/articles/2008/10/05/lifestyle/life51.txt