A free emergency-preparedness fair in East Austin will give families practical advice, children's activities and a basic emergency kit while supplies last.

The fifth annual Get Ready Central Texas Emergency Preparedness Fair will take place on Friday, September 18, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Austin Community College's Eastview Campus.

Austin Emergency Management says the event is free, family-friendly and open to the public. It forms part of National Preparedness Month.

When and where is the Austin preparedness fair?

  • Date: Friday, September 18, 2026;
  • Time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and
  • Location: ACC Eastview Campus, Building 8000, 3101 Webberville Road, Austin, TX 78702.

Visitors will be able to learn how to make a household emergency plan, assemble a supply kit, receive official alerts and work with neighbours before an emergency happens.

A basic kit will be available to attendees while stocks last, limited to one per household. Austin Emergency Management will also provide its neighbourhood preparedness guide in six languages.

Interpreters, children's activities and public comment

Spanish and American Sign Language interpreters are due to be available on site. Requests for other languages should be made through Austin 3-1-1 no later than five business days before the event.

Children can submit artwork for the city's annual Emergency Preparedness Calendar Artwork Contest. The contest is open to pupils from kindergarten through eighth grade and combines their artwork with monthly preparedness tips.

Copies of Austin's Basic Emergency Operations Plan will also be available for review and public comment. The city says attendees can speak with first responders, utility teams, health and support organisations and volunteer groups.

Participating organisations are expected to include Austin Fire, Austin Police, Austin-Travis County EMS, Austin Energy, Austin Water, the National Weather Service, FEMA and the Central Texas Food Bank, among others.

Event arrangements can change, so residents should confirm details before travelling. The full partner list and accessibility information are available in Austin Emergency Management's official event notice.