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The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s (ACES) Lowndes County office is beginning 2025 by holding severe weather preparedness workshops in January. This year, Mid South RC&D Council awarded a $10,000.00 grant to ACES for its severe weather preparedness classes.

“It is such a blessing that Mid-South RC&D granted thousands to help reach more people needing to prepare for severe weather and disasters,” said ACES Lowndes County Coordinator Tana Shealey.

The first workshop, “Be Ready, Lowndes County!” is scheduled for Jan. 15 at Hayneville Baptist Church at 1130 State Highway 21 North in Hayneville. The workshop will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The second severe weather preparedness class is planned for Jan. 29 at Bethlehem Christian Church at 201 Gilmer Hills Road in Fort Deposit from 2 p.m.to 4 p.m. 

Both events are open to all and offered at no cost to Lowndes County residents. Attendees can receive free NOAA weather radios while supplies last.

“This project is about supporting the safety of our people in Lowndes County,” said Pam Hughes, Mid-South executive director. “The weather radios and first aid kits are given out to aid any citizens in the rural area who may not already have adequate emergency equipment.”  

The Alabama Department of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, Serve Alabama, the Alabama Department of Public Health and South-Central Alabama Development Commission’s Alabama Cares team are partners in the effort. Also, recently retired county maintenance employee, Ransom Granik, is volunteering during the trainings.

Alabama Cares Program Director Mary Wedgeworth said each workshop helps her team meet some of their service goals.

“We work hard to ensure that all seniors and individuals with disabilities across Lowndes County know what to do before, during, and after severe weather,” said Wedgeworth.

Her team gives participants information, first aid kits, and tornado preparedness kits during each event.

Alabama Department of Emergency Management spokesperson Jaleesa Diggins said she is excited about community feedback.

“Once citizens find out who we are and how we help, they are ecstatic to know that we come out to help prepare and help when they are in need,” Diggins said. “Many people are unaware that Emergency Management exists; they do not know that there are local, state, and federal emergency management offices. We help educate everyone on the importance of knowing where help comes from when disaster strikes and how the process works.” 

The January workshops follow closely on the heels of training sessions held throughout 2024.

“Last year, we trained hundreds of residents on what to do in the event of severe weather,” said Shealey. “The Hayneville Ace Hardware, Hayneville City Council, Fort Deposit Town Council, and White Hall City Council all purchased NOAA Weather radios for the training in their communities in 2024.”

Shealey said the long-term goal is to place at least one NOAA weather radio in each Lowndes County community.

“Not all communities have weather sirens. Also, those sirens are supposed to warn residents during outdoor events. This grant from Mid-South RC&D is providing potentially lifesaving weather radios to those who might not have internet access or electricity during severe weather in Lowndes County,” Shealey said.

Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator, employer, and provider.

For more information about this program, and educational programs offered by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in Lowndes County, please call (334) 548-2315 to speak with Tana Shealey.