Spending four days in a booth at the Guthrie County Fair may sound like a long time, but it’s worthwhile when residents are signing up to keep themselves safe.

Guthrie County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Kempf says he had 168 people sign up for the new Emergency Notification System this past weekend.  He says he would have loved to have signed up many more, but that 168 is about the number of people he expected.

Kempf acknowledges that the system is new and knows the word is still getting out to the community, but he’s encouraged by its growth so far.  Those interested in signing up for the system can do so by visiting www.guthriecounty.org or by calling Kempf at 641-332-3030.

In light of it now being National Preparedness Month, Kempf says he also handed out over 1500 pieces of information at the fair about how to be better prepared in case an emergency situation arises.  To take the “Let’s Tackle Preparedness Pledge” this month, visit www.beready.iowa.gov.