DEMA Hosts Family Emergency Preparedness Day On September 12 in recognition of National Preparedness Month

Event recognizes DEMA's 75^th anniversary, 25^th anniversary of 9/11

(Smyrna, DE) - In honor of National Preparedness Month, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) will host the 20th Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day, Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brecknock County Park, 80 Old Camden Road in Camden, Delaware.

This free, family-friendly event will bring together over 40 different public safety agencies, nonprofits, and other community partners to help Delawareans of all ages learn how to prepare for emergencies while connecting with people and organizations that help to keep Delaware safe.

In recognition of the 25^th anniversary of September 11, the event will honor the lives forever impacted by the attacks while reflecting on the lessons that continue to shape emergency preparedness and public safety today. The event also coincides with DEMA's 75^th anniversary, marking seven and a half decades of service to the people of Delaware and highlighting the agency's commitment to preparing communities for emergencies and strengthening the state's resilience.

The Delaware Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) Secretary and other notable guests will join the commemoration to honor these two significant moments in the history of emergency management. Their participation will further emphasize the importance of remembering the past while recognizing the continued responsibility to prepare and protect Delaware communities.

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with first responders and public safety officials, explore emergency preparedness resources, and participate in hands-on-activities designed for the entire family. A full list of participants is below.

Families can also enjoy photo opportunities with mascots Smokey Bear (Delaware Forest Service) and Sparky the Fire Dog (Delaware State Fire School) or take a ride on the Jump on Over Mini-Train.

This year's theme, Preparing Together Makes Delaware Better, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between our public safety and community partners for the greater good of our beloved first state. Through key collaboration, these organizations help ensure that Delawareans have all the information and resources necessary to be prepared before, during, and after an emergency.

The event is free and open to the public, with free onsite parking available. There is no rain date for this event. Updates regarding event status or cancellations will be posted to DEMA's social media channels.

"Being prepared is something every Delawarean can take part in," commented DEMA Director A.J. Schall. "Family Emergency Preparedness Day provides an opportunity for residents of all ages to connect with people and organizations working every day to keep our community safe, while learning practical steps that they can take at home to make sure their families are safe."

For more information on Family Emergency Preparedness Day, visit PrepareDE.org.

Event Highlights:

• Attendees can tour 40+ exhibits on the Majestic Express jump-on-over mini train.
• Games and Activities
• Car Seat Safety Check sponsored by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety.
• Department of Safety and Homeland Security Impaired Driver Simulator.
• Delaware Department of Transportation aerial drones' exhibition.
• Photos opportunities on emergency apparatus from local fire companies and EMS agencies, including ladder trucks, helicopters and ambulances.

FEP Day 2026 Scheduled Exhibitors: Preparing Together Makes Delaware Better - Community Readiness

• Delaware State Police
• Dover Air Force Base Office of Emergency Management
• Kent County Crime Watch of Delaware
• US Coast Guard Axillary Flotilla - Boating & Marine Safety
• City of Wilmington
• US Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Disaster Recovery

Preparing Together Makes Delaware Better - Transportation, Outdoor & Environmental Safety

• Delaware Forest Service/DE Wildland Firefighting Program - Smokey Bear
• Delaware Department of Transportation - Drones, Bike and Pedestrian Safety
• Delaware Office of Highway Safety - Car Seat Safety
• Delaware State Fire School & Camden-Wyoming Fire Dept Vehicle Extrication Demonstration
• Delaware State Police Maritime/Scuba
• DNREC Division of Waste & Hazardous Substances
• Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control - Watershed Stewardship Flooding Risk Tool & Division of Waste and Natural Substances
• Department of Safety and Homeland Security/Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement - Impaired/Distracted Driver Simulator
• Majestic Express Mini Train - Jump on Over

Preparing Together Makes Delaware Better - Health, Wellness and Safety

• Bayhealth Healthcare - Public Safety and Trauma Services
• Beebe Healthcare
• Contact Life, Inc.
• Delaware Guidance Services
• Delaware School Safety Center (DSSC)
• A Seed of Hope Counseling Center
• Respond DE - Medical Reserve Corps
• YWCA Sexual Assault Response Center

Preparing Together Makes Delaware Better - Home Preparedness & Special Populations

• Chesapeake Utilities - Safety Trailer
• Tidewater Utilities
• Birth to Three Early Intervention Program
• Delmarva Power
• Kent County Amateur Radio Emergency Services
• Suburban Propane
• Delaware Animal Response
• Delaware Animal Services
• Delaware Department of Insurance
• Department of Public Health Office of Preparedness - Make a Kit
• Freedom Center for Independent Living, Inc.
• DHSS Office of Preparedness - Access and Functional Needs & Vulnerable Populations
• DJ's Alliance
• Freedom Center for Independent Living, Inc.
• State Council for People with Disabilities
• University of Delaware - Center for Disabilities Studies
• Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore
• Recovery Innovations Services

Food Vendors:

• Steel Bowl - Food
• Camden Wyoming Fire Company Auxiliary - Food
• Felton Fire Company - Ice Cream

Family Emergency Preparedness Day is sponsored by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Kent County Parks and Recreation, Kent County Department of Public Safety, Delaware State Fire School, and the Delaware Division of Public Health's Office of Preparedness. Family Preparedness Day activities and CERT program training are funded with support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and X and Instagram