United Way of Southwest Alabama and Verizon will bring disaster preparedness experts, community resources and practical information directly to residents during a free United We Prepare Disaster Preparedness Workshop on Wednesday, September 23, at Africatown Food Hall, 2201 Paper Mill Road in Mobile.

Doors open at 11 a.m. for lunch and an opportunity to visit exhibitors offering additional preparedness information and resources. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m. Admission and lunch are free, but registration is required.

United We Prepare is a disaster preparedness and resilience initiative created through the partnership between United Way of Southwest Alabama and Verizon. The program helps Mobile County residents prepare before an emergency, understand resources available during a disaster and make informed decisions throughout recovery. Mobile County’s Gulf Coast location makes the community particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding and severe storms.

Experts will give brief presentations focused on their areas of expertise before coming together for a panel discussion where attendees can hear how the different pieces of disaster preparedness, response and recovery work together.

Featured speakers include:

• Sarah Cooley, 211 Youth Manger, Lifelines Family Counseling, will talk about how United Way 211 helps connect disaster victims with services and disaster volunteers with organizations providing services to victims.
• Michael Dillaber, Community Recovery and Logistics Officer, Mobile County Emergency Management Agency, will share practical guidance for preparing before disaster strikes and strengthening household and community readiness.
• Susie A. James, Community Relations Specialist, Alabama Power, will discuss disaster readiness and the role utilities and community partnerships play in preparing for and responding to emergencies.
• Brian Phelan, Community Disaster Program Manager, American Red Cross South Alabama Chapter, will discuss steps families can take to prepare for emergencies and the resources available before and after a disaster.
• Marcus Shumack, Fire Marshal’s Office, Alabama Department of Insurance, will join the panel to provide additional expertise on fire safety, insurance and disaster preparedness.

Following the individual presentations, all five speakers will participate in a panel discussion that gives attendees an opportunity to hear from multiple areas of disaster preparedness and ask questions.

“Preparedness starts long before a storm enters the Gulf or another emergency affects a family,” said Justine Bixler, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Alabama. “These workshops give residents direct access to professionals who understand what happens before, during and after a disaster. Our goal is for people to leave with practical information they can use to protect their families, homes and communities.”

The workshop also extends beyond the presentations. Exhibitors will be available beginning at 11 a.m. to share additional preparedness information, resources and services with attendees. Participating organizations include United Way 211 and Lifelines Counseling Services, AARP Alabama, Alabama Power, Alabama Department of Insurance, American Red Cross South Alabama Chapter, Better Business Bureau of Central & South Alabama, Catholic Social Services, Finch Tree Service, Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services and Mobile County EMA, and Spire.

The first 25 attendees will receive a weather radio. Guests who complete the event surveys will also have opportunities to win door prizes, including a generator.

The workshop is free and lunch is provided. Registration is required. Register at https://UWstormready26.eventbrite.com.

 United We Prepare Disaster Preparedness Workshop II
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Africatown Food Hall
2201 Paper Mill Road, Mobile, AL 36610

Doors open and lunch begin at 11 a.m.
Program: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit https://UnitedWayStormReady.com.