Join United Way of Southwest Alabama and Verizon for a free United We Prepare Disaster Preparedness Workshop on Wednesday, September 23, at Africatown Food Hall.

Hear brief presentations from local experts covering emergency preparedness, disaster response and recovery, utility safety, avoiding scams, fire safety and insurance. Following the presentations, all five speakers will come together for a panel discussion and audience questions.

Featured speakers include Sarah Cooley, 211 Youth Manger, Lifelines Family Counseling; Michael Dillaber, Mobile County Emergency Management Agency; Susie James, Alabama Power; Brian Phelan, American Red Cross South Alabama Chapter; and Marcus Shumack, Fire Marshal’s Office, Alabama Department of Insurance.

Doors open at 11 a.m. for a free lunch and an opportunity to visit exhibitors who will provide additional disaster preparedness information, resources and tools to help individuals and families prepare before an emergency. The program runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Admission and lunch are free, but registration is required at UnitedWayStormReady.com.