BENTONVILLE–In recent years, Arkansas has seen lots of weather.

Ice storms have frozen the state and tornadoes have decimated communities in several areas. Each time this happens, people lose access to power and other resources, and often find themselves stranded in their home for days at a time.

The 4th Annual NWA Preparedness Fair, coming Aug. 21 to Bentonville, provides information and other resources for families who want to be prepared in a emergency event. The Fair is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 21, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1101 McCollum Drive in Bentonville.

A national study found that while 91 percent of Americans believe it is important to be prepared for an emergency, only 58 percent actually take steps to prepare (www.ready.gov).

Scheduled to kick-off National Preparedness Month in September, the event will bring together important resources for community residents with the aim of helping them prepare for both emergencies and eventualities.

More than 50 booths will present information on a wide variety of topics, including:

• Creating 72-hour kits;
• Personal and child safety;
• Creating family emergency plans;
• Economic self-reliance;
• Severe weather information;
• Water purification and storage;
• Emotional support and help information;
• Fire prevention;
• Basic food and water storage; and
• Pet emergency preparedness.

There will be 1,000 72-hour starter kits given away at the fair. Lunch will also be provided for all attendees, and many family-friendly activities will add a lighter note to the event.

Family activities at the fair will include the Bentonville Fire Department Smokehouse, a showcase of Emergency and First Response vehicles, a ReadyKids Kids Corner with coloring and other preparedness-focused activities, a bounce house, balloons, visits from Dora the Explorer and Shrek characters, a free Lowe’s Children’s Clinic and more.

More information about the event is available at www.nwapreparednessfair.com

Event highlights

• 1,000 free 72-hour kits will be provided
• 3,000 free lunches will be provided
• 1,000 free Child ID Kits will be available
• Mini-classes and presentations will be scheduled throughout the fair on a wide variety of preparedness issues.
• 100+ experts will be present to teach about a range of emergency preparedness topics.
• The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the event
• Channel 40/29 and KNWA weather teams will talk about preparing for severe weather conditions.