NICEVILLE — With his feet hanging almost a foot above the pedals, 3-year-old Evan Wilkerson grinned as he turned the wheel of an Air Force fire truck.
A few minutes later Evan’s father, Brandon Wilkerson, lifted him into bunker gear courtesy of the Niceville Fire Department. The pants bunched up as he peeked out from under the enormous helmet.
The Wilkersons and other visitors to Walmart on Saturday met local emergency personnel and learned about preparing for a natural disaster.
The area is growing and many new residents don’t know much about hurricane preparedness or local emergency workers, Walmart Manager Jim Perry said. That, coupled with a lack of storms in recent years, makes events such as Walmart’s all the more necessary, he said.
Tom and Linda Randall have lived in the area for about 15 years but wanted to freshen up their hurricane preparedness knowledge. They snagged an updated list of emergency phone number and other pamphlets.
Linda especially wanted to look over recommended hurricane supplies so they can replenish their kit.
“I ate the hurricane supplies,” Linda said with a laugh.
The American Red Cross of Northwest Florida passed out water, trail mix and backpacks. The group wanted to make sure people are prepared to be on their own for the first 72 hours after a natural disaster.
“It might take that long for us to get to you,” said Jack Birge, health services leader with the Red Cross.
During hurricanes, emergency crews can’t respond to calls when winds get too high, Niceville Fire Chief Tommy Mayville said. Residents need to ensure any medical supplies and prescriptions will last for some time after a storm.
They should have supplies and a plan, he said. That includes evacuation.
“If it looks like it’s going to be bad, leave the area,” Mayville said.
TO LEARN MORE: Visit www.ready.gov for hurricane preparedness tips.
