Officials put focus on being prepared
Published 10:53 pm Monday, September 17, 2012
In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, the 6th annual Be Ready Day will be held Wednesday to encourage citizens to be prepared for when disaster strikes.
Be Ready Day, sponsored by the Dallas County Citizen Corps Council, will begin at 9 a.m. at Memorial Stadium and go though 2 p.m.
Several agencies, such as American Red Cross, Dallas County EMA, Selma Police Department, Alabama Department of Public Safety and LifeSouth Blood will be in attendance, instructing citizens on the first steps to take during a crisis.
“It’s just an opportunity for people in the community to come out and meet with first responders and local agencies and just enjoy the day,” said Dallas County Emergency Management director Rhonda Abbott.
Citizens will also be given the opportunity to donate blood if they wish through LifeSouth.
“We never have enough participation in that department,” Abbott said. “I’d like to see more people come out and do that.”
Air Evac will also be making an 11:15 a.m. landing at the walking track near the stadium. WSFA, Eric Stinl and the National Weather Service Birmingham will be available to answer any weather related questions, Abbott said.
“If anyone has any weather radios that need to be programmed or if they have any questions concerning anything weather-related, that will be addressed too,” she said.
Abbott said she encourages citizens to take a few minutes out of their day and visit to gain valuable information, and that residents can never be too prepared for a disaster.
“We try to cover all the realms of public safety and just educate the public,” she said. “It’s always important for people to have a plan and know what their plan is and also to practice their plan.”
The Selma Fire Department will also be there to answer questions along with members of the volunteer fire department.
“It’s our people out there that are sending their message to their community,” Abbott said. “It’s important to get out and meet these people before you do have a disaster and learn from them.”
For more information call 874-2515.
