18th Annual Mat-Su Emergency Expo
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Don’t Wait for an Emergency to Prepare: Get Ready at the 18th Annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo.
Earthquakes. Wildfires. Flooding. Avalanches. Severe winter storms. In Alaska, emergencies are part of life—and they can happen with little or no warning. September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time to take a fresh look at your family’s emergency plan, build or update your emergency kit, and learn the skills that could make a difference when it matters most.
On Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the 18th Annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo returns to the Menard Sports Center in Wasilla. This free, family-friendly event brings together emergency responders, preparedness experts, community organizations, and more than 80 exhibitors and vendors to help Mat-Su residents become better prepared for whatever comes next.
Come ready to learn. Leave ready to respond. The Expo goes far beyond displays and brochures. Visitors can experience hands-on demonstrations, participate in training opportunities, ask questions of local experts, and discover practical ways to make your homes and families more prepared.
Attendees can:
- Learn lifesaving skills in first aid, survival, emergency response, and preparedness
- Meet local emergency agencies and preparedness experts and get answers to questions
- Explore interactive, family-friendly exhibits designed to make preparedness fun for all ages
- Enter the popular poster contest for a chance to win great prizes and free ice cream from Big Dipper
- Build or improve an emergency kit. Discover the supplies every household should have in stock
- Take part in workshops, including Backcountry Prepared presented by Alaska Safe Riders
- Practice preparedness skills that can help turn a stressful emergency into a manageable situation
“Preparedness is something we can all do, and the Expo makes it easy,” said Talon Boeve, Mat-Su Borough Emergency Operations Specialist. “It’s a great opportunity for families to learn together, practice important skills, and make sure they’re ready for Alaska’s unique challenges.”
Your next emergency plan starts here.
You don’t have to be an emergency expert to be prepared. Whether you are starting from scratch, updating an old emergency kit, or simply want to know what to do when the unexpected happens, the Expo offers something for everyone.
Bring your family. Bring your questions. Bring your emergency kit and see what you’re missing.
18TH ANNUAL MAT-SU EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EXPO
Saturday, September 26, 2026
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Menard Sports Center | Wasilla, Alaska
FREE ADMISSION • OPEN TO ALL AGES
The Expo is made possible through the generous support and collaboration of the Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services, AARP Alaska, Alaska Safe Riders, American Red Cross, Mat-Su Health Foundation, and more than 80 exhibitors, vendors, community organizations, and volunteers who are committed to building a safer and more prepared Mat-Su Valley.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP.
Mark September 26 on your calendar and make preparedness a family priority.
For event information, exhibitor details, and updates, visit ready.matsugov.us or alaskasaferiders.org