Being prepared is of utmost importance when disaster strikes — and that’s exactly what the American Red Cross is aiming to do in Selma and Dallas County.

The Black Belt chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a work session Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. during which an overview of disaster services will be discussed along with disaster training.

“We’re going to be providing training here locally at the office for all areas in disaster services,” said Jakki Phillips, chief executive director for the Black Belt chapter.

There are four main categories of disaster services that will be discussed during the meeting, Phillips said, which are shelter operations and management, disaster recovery and disaster casework.

After attending the meeting, everyone should gain a basic overview of how to respond when a disaster strikes in the Selma-Dallas Community, Phillips said.

Although disaster training is crucial to the safety of our community, Phillips said numbers have been lacking at recent meetings, and that’s something she wants to change.

“We don’t usually have a lot of people come to this and that’s one of the things we’re trying to improve,” Phillips said. “We need to get better participation and support.”

The more people who know how to respond during and after a disaster, the better, she said.

“We should all have the desire to help with the safety of our community,” Phillips said. “And so this is one way we can ensure safety, by being prepared before disaster strikes. Attending this session just builds our capacity to handle disastrous events”

There is no cost to attend the meeting and registration is not necessary.

For more information about the session, call the Black Belt American Red Cross office at 874-4641. The meeting will be held at 812 Selma Ave.