United Way of Southwest Alabama, in partnership with Verizon and United Way Worldwide, is expanding disaster preparedness across Mobile County through the second year of United We Prepare. The $250,000 investment from Verizon and United Way Worldwide will strengthen community preparedness, expand nonprofit partnerships, and increase local response capacity through public education, disaster resilience grants, and preparedness resources.

Following a successful first year, United We Prepare returns with a public forum featuring renowned meteorologist James Spann, three free community preparedness workshops, four nonprofit disaster resilience sub-grants, and the distribution of more than 500 disaster preparedness kits.

“Preparing for a hurricane begins long before a storm enters the Gulf,” said Justine Bixler, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Alabama. “This partnership gives residents practical information, trusted local resources, and the confidence to protect their families before disaster strikes.”

The United Way & Verizon Disaster Resilience Forum featuring James Spann will take place Saturday, August 15, at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf. Doors open at 9:00 a.m., and the program begins at 9:30 a.m. Spann will share his knowledge of Gulf Coast weather, hurricane preparedness, severe weather safety, and practical steps families can take before the next storm threatens the region. Admission is $10. Children ages three and younger receive free admission. Get tickets at https://uw-verizonresilienceforum.eventbrite.com.

United Way will also host three free Disaster Resilience Workshops across Mobile County. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. Each workshop begins at 11:30 a.m. and concludes at 1:00 p.m. Lunch is provided.

Emergency management professionals, insurance experts, legal and consumer protection organizations, healthcare providers, nonprofit agencies, and community partners will provide practical guidance on emergency planning, disaster supply kits, insurance coverage, protecting important documents, avoiding disaster related fraud, and accessing local resources before, during, and after disasters. Local organizations will also staff resource tables throughout each event.

2026 Disaster Resilience Workshop Schedule

Tillman’s Corner Community Center

Tuesday, July 14
Doors Open: 11:00 a.m.
Workshop: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Africatown Food Hall

Wednesday, September 23
Doors Open: 11:00 a.m.
Workshop: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Satsuma Community Center

Tuesday, October 20
Doors Open: 11:00 a.m.
Workshop: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

To register for the workshops, visit https://UWstormready26.eventbrite.com

United Way will distribute more than 500 disaster preparedness kits through community workshops and nonprofit partners, helping Mobile County families build emergency supplies and prepare before disasters occur. The initiative also strengthens collaboration among emergency management agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, businesses, and community leaders to improve disaster preparedness across Mobile County.

United We Prepare reflects the shared commitment of Verizon, United Way Worldwide, and United Way of Southwest Alabama to help Mobile County residents prepare before disasters strike. By investing in education, partnerships, and community resources, the initiative strengthens resilience across the region.

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