We’re Here to Help You Prepare
The United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) is partnering with Verizon to strengthen disaster resilience, promote long-term recovery services, and enhance community preparedness across Mobile County. This initiative comes at a critical time, as Mobile—designated a Community Disaster Resilience Zone (CDRZ) in September 2023—is especially vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding, and severe storms due to its Gulf Coast location.
Low-income and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households often face heightened disaster risk due to poor housing conditions and limited resources. This was evident during the lasting impacts of Hurricanes Sally, Ida, and Zeta in 2020, when many communities struggled to recover.
Verizon’s support allows UWSWA not only to respond to disasters, but to proactively prepare communities
United Way and Verizon Disaster Resilience Forum Featuring Jim Cantore.
United Way of Southwest Alabama, in partnership with Verizon, is hosting a Disaster Resilience Forum featuring Jim Cantore of The Weather Channel on Friday, December 5, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the University of South Alabama McQueen Alumni Center, located at 100 Alumni Drive, Mobile, AL 36688.
Jim Cantore, one of the most recognized meteorologists in the nation, will deliver the keynote address. Since joining The Weather Channel in 1986, Cantore has reported on many of the most significant storms in recent history, including Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Irma, Dorian, and Michael. His career has made him a trusted voice in disaster preparedness and community resilience. Following his remarks, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session.
Tickets:
Admission is $10 per person. Children age three and under may attend at no cost. Refunds are available only if f requested more than 48 hours before the event. The are a limited number of tickets available for a Meet and Greet with Jim Cantore immediately following the program for $20.
Disaster Resilience Forum Program
Panel discussion featuring local experts on preparedness and recovery
Moderator: Alan Seals
Meteorologist
University of South Alabama
Ken Graham
Director
National Oceanic (NOAA) Weather Service
Mike Dillaber
Plans & Operations Officer
Mobile County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
Brian Phelan
Community Disaster Program Manager
American Red Cross Serving South Alabama
Lance Slater
Chief Resilience Officer
City of the Mobile Office of Resilience & Sustainability
Summer Disaster Workshop Series
Preparation Resources from the Workshops
Medical Preparedness: Springhill Medical Center – Click here to download the presentation
Rebuilding or Preparing Your Home: Home Builder Licensure Board – Click here to download the presentation
How Can Lawyer Help After a Storm: South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program – Click here to download the presentation
Avoid Scams: Better Business Bureau – Click here to download the presentation
Have A Plan: Mobile County EMA – Click here to download the presentation
Hurricane Response: Spire Energy – Click here to download the presentation
Workshop I Guests
Natilee Davies & Dakota Williams, Citronelle High School Azalea Trail Maids
Rev. Dino Danzey, Citronelle Memorial Baptist Church
Beth Thomas, External Affairs Manager, Alabama Power
Mayor Jason Stringer, Citronelle Mayor
Mike Dillaber, Plans and Operations Manager, Mobile County EMA
Cole Lucky, IT and Communications Officer, Mobile County EMA
Patsy Hughes, Consumer Outreach, Education, and Recruiting Coordinator, Alabama Department of Insurance
Travis Taylor, Director of the Office of Risk and Resilience, Alabama Department of Insurance
Workshop II Speakers
Olivier Charles, President, Bishop State Community College
Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, District One Mobile County Commission
Erin Coker, BSN, RN, Emergency Management & Safety Office, Springhill Medical Center
Wayne Castanos, Area Manager, Spire Energy
Mike Dillaber, Plans and Operations Manager, Mobile County EMA
Kelly DeVoe, Marketing Coordinator, Better Business Bureau of Central & South Alabama
Rev. Leonora Wilder, Impact Success Coach, Bishop State Community College
Scouting American – Mobile Area Council Troop 29
Workshop III Speakers
Darlene Burt, Home Builders Licensure Board
Mary Tyler Spivey, Home Builders Licensure Board
Heather Sands, South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program
Mike Dillaber, Plans and Operations Manager, Mobile County EMA
Dan McCrory, Bayou La Batre Utilities Board
Fr. Dan Good, St. Philip Neri & St. Michael Parishes
Workshop IV Speakers
Zoe McMahan, The New Hot 104 FM
Mayor Brandon Van Hook, Mayor of Semmes
Patsy Hughes, Alabama Department of Insurance
Eric Coker, BSN, RN, Springhill Medical Center
Mary Tyler Spivey, Alabama Home Builder Licensure Board
Mike Dillaber, Plans and Operations Manager, Mobile County EMA
Justine Bixler, United Way of Southwest Alabama
Workshop I Exhibitors
- United Way 2-1-1
- AARP
- Alabama Department of Insurance
- Alabama Power
- Governor’s Office of Volunteers
- Mobile County Emergency Management Agency
- South Alabama Utilities
- Spire
Workshop II Exhibitors
- United Way 2-1-1
- AARP
- Alabama Department of Insurance
- Alabama Power
- Better Business Bureau of Central & South Alabama
- Governor’s Office of Volunteers
- Mobile County Commission
- Mobile County Emergency Management Agency
- Spire
Workshop III Exhibitors
- United Way 2-1-1
- AARP
- Alabama Power
- American Red Cross
- Bayou La Batre Utilities Board
- Better Business Bureau of Central & South Alabama
- Governor’s Office of Volunteers
- Ready Alabama
- South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program
Workshop IV Exhibitors
- United Way 2-1-1
- AARP
- Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
- Alabama Power
- American Red Cross Serving South Alabama
- Better Business Bureau of Central & South Alabama
- Governor’s Office of Volunteers
- Mobile County EMA
