Plan ahead. Be prepared. Solid advice that seems simple enough. But how exactly do you prepare for such things as the H1N1 virus (swine flu), an accidental dorm or kitchen fire or a looming hurricane?

On Monday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., information on these and other emergencies will be as close as the Bell Tower during Temple University’s fourth annual Emergency Preparedness Fair, sponsored by the Office of Campus Safety and the Office of Emergency Preparedness.

At noon, special guest Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will talk with students and answer questions on the importance of personal preparedness, and the simple steps we can all take now to ensure we are prepared before an emergency strikes.

Because September is National Campus Safety Month, National Campus Fire Safety Month and National Emergency Preparedness Month, it’s a perfect time to provide information about potential dangers, said Mike McFall, operations manager for Campus Safety.

About two dozen agencies, including the American Red Cross, the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management and the Philadelphia Police Department, will be taking part, said McFall.

“The purpose of the fair is to help everyone understand that while you can’t prevent a hurricane or a flu pandemic, there are little things that you can do to keep yourself from being impacted,” said McFall.

An issue of major concern this year at college campuses nationwide is the threat of H1N1. Temple’s Student and Employee Health Services has been preparing for flu season for some time and will be on hand to answer questions and provide suggestions on staying healthy, McFall said. 

For more information, visit the Office of Emergency Preparedness or the Office of Campus Safety online.