By Monique Jones
The Birmingham Times
The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency will hold its annual Be Ready Day Sept. 29 at the Summit shopping center. Be Ready Day will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free to the public.
The event was originally known as Community Awareness Day and is a learning experience both for families and school children, many of whom are expected to attend. Attendees will learn general safety tips for your home and family as well as how to create a 72-hour disaster kit, develop a family emergency plan, protect your family and home during weather emergencies and respond to medical emergencies.
James Coker, director of the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, stated that Be Ready Day will showcase the state’s response agencies, including the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Alabama Power, the Alabama Dept. of Public Safety, and others.
Be Ready Day has been educating the public about emergency preparedness and safety for nearly two decades. Linn Park used to be the event’s home, but after the event outgrew the park, the Summit stepped in and became the event’s new host in 2015. This year, Shelby County has become a collaborator with Jefferson County, making the event’s reach even wider.
