QUINCY - You may learn how to prepare for the unexpected during the Quincy Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Quincy Community Center.

The preparedness fair will go from 4-8 p.m. It will be free and open to anyone 14 and over.

Keith Child, who is one of the event's organizers, said there is no substitute for being prepared when facing a crisis or disaster.

"Our purpose is not to create panic," he said. "But if we can be prepared, that's the best defense against panic."

There will be more than 50 vendors and exhibitors covering a wide range of topics to help attendees prepare for natural disasters and to help them become more self-sufficient in their daily lives.

Topics will include how to prepare for and survive a long-term power outage, store drinking water, grow and preserve food, develop family emergency plans, create emergency-preparedness kits and how best to survive a disaster.

Several local government agencies, businesses, organizations and churches have come together to plan and participate in the event.