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Photo collage of resource fair attendees in Swannanoa, NC

Swannanoa Community Shares Emergency Preparedness Resources

The Swannanoa community worked together to serve up information and resources to help their neighbors be better prepared for emergencies. Organizers hope others will follow their lead, hosting similar events like the upcoming "Swannnoa: Know Your Risks" event on May 30.

More than 300 people attended an Emergency Preparedness Resource Fair organized by volunteers through the Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance to help bolster community awareness about ongoing recovery programs and available emergency resources.  

Nineteen organizations staffed resource tables, handing out emergency preparedness fliers, sharing environmental resources, and offering connections to local news updates.

Throughout the event, partner organizations staffed informational tables to provide resources and to answer questions about many aspects of preparedness.

The Black Mountain CERT and Buncombe County Rescue Squad provided a hands-on demonstration and talk about key aspects of emergency preparedness: home hazards, basic first aid, evacuation planning, sheltering in place, and backup communications.

Everything offered throughout the event, from meals to supplies, was completely free to the community. Local partners like Buncombe County Government and nonprofit organizations supported printing and loaned tables and microphones. Interpretation services were provided, too.

“It was an incredibly successful event,” said Kristin Stroup, Senior Program Manager for Appalachian Voices. “It showed both the strength of the partnerships we have in the Swannanoa Valley and the real urgency people in our community feel to be better informed and prepared.” 

Two people staffing a resource table with a blue table cloth and stacks of handouts

Securing a few event sponsors helped Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance offer an accessible and responsive resource fair. Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa (FANS) offered general event support while FCC Environmental contributed toward meal expenses and Fernleaf covered costs related to interpretation services.

Understanding ongoing needs across the community, organizers arranged for prize giveaways and free meals to be served. Raffle items donated by Footprint Project, Appalachian Voices, and the American Red Cross included backup charging stations, a portable solar panel power station, emergency radios, water filters, and safety tubes.  

Local restaurant Defiance Cafe served 150 meals, and Food Connection sent attendees home with another 300 portable meals. A local bluegrass band provided a festive vibe as attendees talked and enjoyed refreshments.  

“We are really proud of how well this event resonated with our broader community,” said Tonia Allen, Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance. “It was a big lift for us with an important mission, connecting the people of Swannanoa with resources they need so that we can become more prepared together.”  

The Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance expresses gratitude for the many volunteers and partners who made the Emergency Preparedness Fair possible and looks forward to sharing what they learned to help other communities connect in this way. Learn more in this event recap video. 

Two volunteers staff a resource table with handouts and swag

Get Involved With Future Events

On May 30, the Swannanoa Valley community will gather for a new opportunity for residents to continue building on their preparedness education. Swannanoa: Know Your Risks will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Warren Wilson College (114 Upper College Road, Swannanoa, NC 28778) to share preparedness strategies for home, property, and family. The event will include an opportunity for 30 residents to sign up for a parcel-level property risk assessment. Download an event flier in English or in Spanish.

Contact event organizers to learn more about hosting an Emergency Preparedness Resource Fair in your community.  

Swannanoa Emergency Preparedness Resource Fair Organizers

Visit our WNC Recovery Stories page to find more stories about the people and organizations making a difference in western North Carolina. 

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