2026 Get Ready Central Texas Emergency Preparedness Fair

Austin Emergency Management is hosting the Get Ready Central Texas Emergency Preparedness Fair on Friday, September 18, at the Austin Community College Eastview Campus, Building 8000. It's the fifth year they've put this on, and it's a free, family-friendly afternoon open to the public. If you've never been, the whole thing is built around getting your household ready for whatever comes our way—the kind of stuff that's easy to put off until you actually need it.

There are three main things you'll walk away with. First, you'll learn how to put together an emergency plan, so everyone in your house knows where to go and who to call if things go sideways. Second, you'll get a handle on building a kit—the food, water, and supplies that keep you going when the power or water is out. Third, you'll find out how to stay informed, which means knowing where to look for reliable updates when a storm or other emergency hits. There are games throughout the afternoon, too, which keep the kids occupied while you're working through the practical side of things.

It's not just about the checklists, though. The afternoon doubles as a chance to meet your neighbors, and since it's open to the public, you'll find people from all over the city there. Refreshments are provided, so you can hang out and talk shop with other families rather than just rushing through the booths and heading home. It's a low-pressure way to get your ducks in a row.

If you need a hand, interpretation services are available in Spanish and ASL. If you'll need another language, you can request it by calling 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 at least five days before the fair. The event runs from 2 to 6 PM at the Eastview Campus, 3101 Webberville Road, Building 8000, and it's free to attend.