Emergency Preparedness Seminar: A Ready Disposition – Equipping you for life’s challenges

June 16, 2025

Press release from North Central Florida Baptist Association

ALACHUA, Fla. – The North Central Florida Baptist Association is proud to host the Emergency Preparedness Seminar: A Ready Disposition on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Forest Grove Baptist Church, 22575 NW 94th Ave, Alachua, FL. This comprehensive event is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to navigate emergencies and life’s uncertainties with confidence and resilience.

Featuring keynote speaker W. Craig Fugate, former FEMA Administrator (2009–2017) and former Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Mgt. (2001–2009), the seminar kicks off with a critical session on “Getting Emergency Information During Disasters Without Internet or Cell Phones.” Fugate, renowned for leading FEMA through major disasters like Hurricane Sandy and the 2004–2005 Florida hurricane seasons, will share expert insights on staying informed when communication networks fail.

Attendees will engage in a full day of practical workshops and breakout sessions, covering topics such as:

Generator Safety, Downed Power Lines, and Storm Logistics (Todd Martin, Clay Electric)
Common Sense Personal Disaster Preparedness (David Peaton, Alachua County Emergency Management)
Satellite Phones and Starlink (Mark Weible)
General Mobile Radio Service & Family Radio Service for Emergency Communications (Karyn Shander)
The Essential Go-Bag (Tim Parker)
Firearm Safety and Training (Bill Quirk)
Wild Edibles and Foraging (Brandon Carmel)
Water Collection and Disinfection (Reid Tillery)
Hurricane Helene: How Ham Radios Helped in North Carolina (Brett Wallace)
Beekeeping (Archie Matthews)
Integrating Aquatics into Your Food Garden (Garrett Schendowich)
Compact Gardening (James & Kathleen Dailey)
Traditional Poultry and Fish Processing (Emily Wallace)
Creative Bartering (Dr. Jeffrey Haglund, lunch session video)

The seminar also includes exhibit tables featuring organizations like Alachua County Emergency Management, Alachua County Crime Stoppers, Gainesville Amateur Radio Society, Clay Electric, Sam’s Club, Burch Well & Pump, The Gideons International, AmRRON (American Redoubt Radio Operator’s Network) and Shoot GTR, offering resources, drawings, and freebies. The included lunch session will provide networking opportunities and a chance to explore innovative bartering strategies.

“This seminar goes beyond preparing for emergencies—it’s about cultivating a ready disposition to face life’s challenges with mental fortitude and practical skills,” said Event Coordinator Karyn Shander. “With expert-led sessions and hands-on learning, attendees will leave better equipped to handle whatever comes their way.”

Early registration is $20 per person + $3.18 ticket processing fee until July 1, 2025, with limited seating. Register online at: https://bit.ly/3HTM9tC.

For updates, follow the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/share/1AgmPh8JzN/.

Join us for a day of learning, connection, and empowerment to build a more resilient future.