FARMINGTON -- Conflicts with the Easter Bunny may have cut into visitation at Farmington City's annual Emergency Awareness Fair Saturday, but organizers estimated between 400 and 500 residents still stopped by over the event's four-hour run. Things certainly followed a slower pace at this third staging of the fair. But as Farmington Emergency Preparedness Chairman Paul White stated, "If even one person comes away better prepared then it's been a success." "We gave out 30 MRE samples, used up all our fire extinguishers, and qualified 40 Boys Scouts for their Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge," White added. "So I think we did pretty well today."

One of those on hand with an eye to making the world safer was Marilyn Hoff, better known as the "Earthquake Lady." Representing the State of Utah, Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Services and Homeland Security, Hoff gave a half dozen formal presentations, then did her best to address folks just walking through on their own.

The United States Weather Service, represented by Todd Hall, paid a visit to remind residents Mother Nature can do more than just create high winds and flash floods. Lightning is another danger.



Officer Brett Winkelman of the Farmington City Police Department provided information about preventing identity theft, credit and charge fraud and Internet attacks by hackers and viruses.

Another officer, Tracy Gross of Davis County Animal Control not only supplied tips on how to handle pets in times of emergencies, but how to avoid unpleasant altercations between people and animals.

Business contributors like Survival Solutions (out of Layton) and LaRosa Enterprises provided ideas on emergency preparedness supplies, food and equipment.

Zions Banks introduced its Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University "Super Savers Seminars. Wells Fargo was also on hand offering suggestions on how to get one's financial house in order.

Other organizations, agencies and groups on hand included the Amateur Radio Club of Utah, Farmington Water Department, Farmington CERT, Davis Hospital, Kidguard of Davis County, Utah Highway Patrol and Cal Fadel Farmer's Insurance.

"Having the right insurance is, of course, very important," said White. "But many people may not be aware there's a difference between flood and landslide insurance."