Free emergency preparedness classes in this county aim to protect kids and seniors
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Emergencies don’t wait for the right moment—they arrive unexpectedly, whether it’s a severe thunderstorm, a winter blizzard, or a sudden power outage.
Being prepared isn’t just for survival experts; it’s something every family can benefit from.
Children and older adults are often the most vulnerable when disaster strikes, making preparation even more important.
That’s why Dunn County Emergency Management in Wisconsin is offering free community classes this fall.
These sessions are designed to give both kids and seniors the skills and confidence they need to stay safe when the unexpected happens.
Jason Spetz, Dunn County Emergency Management Coordinator, says the county makes it a priority to provide educational outreach every year.
This year, the focus is on groups that often need extra support in emergencies—young children and older adults.
Both sessions are free, open to the public, and designed to be practical and interactive.
The children’s preparedness class is for kids in kindergarten through third grade.
It will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, at the Menomonie Public Library.
The program will teach kids how to recognize emergencies, understand severe weather, build a simple emergency kit, and know how to get help when they need it.
Registration is optional, and families can call (715) 232-2333 with questions.
Even if you can’t attend, the lessons—like knowing who to call or what goes in a kit—are worth discussing at home.
The senior session will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, at the Shirley Doane Senior Center (1612 6th St. East, Menomonie).
This class goes beyond general preparedness, offering advice specific to older adults.
Topics include managing medications, making mobility plans, receiving weather alerts, and packing extra essentials in emergency kits.
The goal is to ensure older residents can stay safe and independent, even when normal routines are disrupted.
If you can’t attend in person, Dunn County Emergency Management offers ongoing support.
Their resources cover building family emergency plans, stocking household kits with water, food, and batteries, and signing up for CodeRed alerts to receive real-time emergency notifications.
As Spetz explains, these steps are not just individual—they help protect families and the larger community.
According to the CDC, older adults are more likely to face challenges during natural disasters because of health conditions, limited mobility, or isolation.
Having an emergency plan can reduce risks and increase confidence.
Helpful strategies include keeping an updated list of medications, arranging a buddy system with neighbors or family, ensuring access to backup power if you use medical devices, and staying informed through alerts or local radio.
More details are available on the Dunn County Emergency Management website.
Even if you don’t live in Wisconsin, many of the same principles apply anywhere—check with your local emergency management office to see if similar programs are offered in your area.
Read next: The 16 emergency kit essentials experts say every household should have—are you ready?
Have you ever been caught in a storm or outage and realized you weren’t fully prepared? Do you keep an emergency kit at home, and what do you include in it? Share your stories and advice in the comments so we can all learn from one another.
Being prepared isn’t just for survival experts; it’s something every family can benefit from.
Children and older adults are often the most vulnerable when disaster strikes, making preparation even more important.
That’s why Dunn County Emergency Management in Wisconsin is offering free community classes this fall.
These sessions are designed to give both kids and seniors the skills and confidence they need to stay safe when the unexpected happens.
Dunn County’s preparedness classes give families the tools to stay safe during storms, power outages, and other emergencies. Image source: Pexels / Roger Brown.
Free classes for all ages
Jason Spetz, Dunn County Emergency Management Coordinator, says the county makes it a priority to provide educational outreach every year.
This year, the focus is on groups that often need extra support in emergencies—young children and older adults.
Both sessions are free, open to the public, and designed to be practical and interactive.
For kids: learning the basics of safety
The children’s preparedness class is for kids in kindergarten through third grade.
It will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, at the Menomonie Public Library.
The program will teach kids how to recognize emergencies, understand severe weather, build a simple emergency kit, and know how to get help when they need it.
Registration is optional, and families can call (715) 232-2333 with questions.
Even if you can’t attend, the lessons—like knowing who to call or what goes in a kit—are worth discussing at home.
Also read: How much emergency savings is enough? Experts say this number is growing—and here’s how to prepare
For seniors: tailored guidance for safety and independence
The senior session will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, at the Shirley Doane Senior Center (1612 6th St. East, Menomonie).
This class goes beyond general preparedness, offering advice specific to older adults.
Topics include managing medications, making mobility plans, receiving weather alerts, and packing extra essentials in emergency kits.
The goal is to ensure older residents can stay safe and independent, even when normal routines are disrupted.
Also read: Could you qualify for a $1,000 “emergency” bonus? This $2 million plan is gaining momentum
Year-round resources
If you can’t attend in person, Dunn County Emergency Management offers ongoing support.
Their resources cover building family emergency plans, stocking household kits with water, food, and batteries, and signing up for CodeRed alerts to receive real-time emergency notifications.
As Spetz explains, these steps are not just individual—they help protect families and the larger community.
Also read: On Medicare and headed out of town? What to know before a medical emergency hits
Why preparedness matters most for seniors
According to the CDC, older adults are more likely to face challenges during natural disasters because of health conditions, limited mobility, or isolation.
Having an emergency plan can reduce risks and increase confidence.
Helpful strategies include keeping an updated list of medications, arranging a buddy system with neighbors or family, ensuring access to backup power if you use medical devices, and staying informed through alerts or local radio.
How to learn more
More details are available on the Dunn County Emergency Management website.
Even if you don’t live in Wisconsin, many of the same principles apply anywhere—check with your local emergency management office to see if similar programs are offered in your area.
Read next: The 16 emergency kit essentials experts say every household should have—are you ready?
Have you ever been caught in a storm or outage and realized you weren’t fully prepared? Do you keep an emergency kit at home, and what do you include in it? Share your stories and advice in the comments so we can all learn from one another.
