Following the April 27 tornadoes and other spring storms, Dallas County residents were reminded once again how important it is to be prepared for inclement weather.

Tuesday at 5 p.m., citizens will have a chance to enhance those plans through an open forum at the Selma Convention Center.

The forum, Dallas County Emergency Management director Rhonda Abbott said, will be held by the Dallas County Citizens Corps and will feature elected officials, first responders and volunteers.

The forum, which is open to everyone, is an opportunity to hear the lessons learned from the spring disasters and plan for the future.

“During a disaster it takes everyone working together, and that is why everyone is invited to attend this forum,” Abbott said. “One single citizen, elected official or agency cannot make a difference in a disaster, it takes a community committed to working together and each person and each agency plays an important role in response and recovery efforts.”

Brett Howard, field coordinator for the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and former Dallas County EMA director will be the keynote speaker.

The Citizen Corp Council will set up a mock disaster recovery center to demonstrate how important donation management is following a disaster. This, Abbott said, is where volunteers can make a tremendous difference.

Abbott also said first responders from Dallas County who traveled to Tuscaloosa following the tornadoes will also be recognized for their “unselfish, committed dedication to public service.”