Mike Ryan has done a lot of work resurrecting and coordinating the Central Illinois Preparedness Expo where everyday people can learn valuable, life-saving information about emergency preparedness and independent living.  A first-responder himself for over two decades, Ryan knows a thing or three about preparing for emergencies and brings that knowledge and experience to bear in planning this year’s event.  This year’s Prep Expo will be held Saturday, August 6th at the DeWitt County Sportsman’s Club six miles east of Clinton on Route 10.

Mr. Ryan spoke at the Peoria and Champaign GSL meetings, introducing himself and the philosophy he’s bringing to this year’s event, with exhibits and presentations for the entire family.

Mindset, he says, is the most important component to surviving an emergency.  He related a time in his life when he checked on homeowners following a tornado that struck Champaign County a little over twenty years ago.  One homeowner said everything was fine and she too was fine.  Mike said he noticed over her shoulder that the back wall of her house had been completely lost.

The elderly woman was still in shock, helpless to do anything about it, was temporarily unable to come to terms with the catastrophe in her home.  That can happen to any of us, but having a plan and mentally preparing one’s self can reduce the likelihood of a complete breakdown such as this.

He noted that police and fire administrators expect that in a serious emergency that only a third of their personnel will report to duty.  The rest of the cops and firefighters will be stabilizing things at their own homes, or otherwise unable to come to work.

Couple radically short staffs with a deluge of calls for service means that the police and fire responses will be few and long-delayed.  In other words, you’re going to be on your own in a major emergency.

This year’s Prep Expo will run from 9am-5pm, with presentations both indoors and outdoors, allowing attendees to tailor their experience to their interests.  This year’s event will also feature a lot of practical, hands-on activities.

There is no charge to attend – although donations are welcome.  It’s family friendly and lunch will be available for about $5 on site.

This year’s presentations will include many hands-on, practical presentations.  For more information, contact Mike Ryan at MRyan2803@gmail.com or call 217 979-9506.

Topics / Speaker Lineup

The Preparedness Mindset – Mike Ryan
Canning – Ed Adcock
Water – John Boch
Food storage – Madelynn Potts
Self defense for women (and kids) – Todd Mendenhall
Self defense law – Frank Wright (retired FBI Special Agent)
First Aid –  Capt. Jeremy Hoffman, Edge Scott Fire
Raising back yard animals – Bob Green
Bug out / Get home bags and bugging out when and how – John Boch, Justin Bawcum and Mike Ryan
Building a survival community -Jim Jones
Communication – Dr. David Pike
Knives & knife sharpening – Chuck Hawes
Fire starting – Brian Clay
Krav Maga – Bill Martin
Surviving an active shooter, situational awareness, concealed carry in an active shooter situation — Deputy Ben Wilford – Dewitt County Sheriffs Office, Certified Rapid Entry Team Trainer

Mr. Ryan is working on additional presentations.  This event is something you don’t want to miss!