Monday, January 29, 2024

Austin Hosts Ready Together, a Community Preparedness Classroom Training

The City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) is offering a community resource: Ready Together, a free classroom training on basic emergency preparedness. The course is developed in partnership with Austin Energy, Ascension Seton, Go Austin/Vamos Austin, and Austin Fire Department.

“We are happy to be able to bring our Ready Together class to the Central Texas community,” said Austin HSEM Director Ken Snipes. “We have seen the need for and interest in this kind of training. The best time to prepare for the next emergency is today. Austinites who take this course will be in a better position to help themselves, their family, and their community in a disaster.”

  • Event: Ready Together: Basic Emergency Preparedness for You, Your Family & Your Neighborhood (Classroom Training)
  • Time: Thursday, February 8, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Southeast Branch Library, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd., Austin, TX 78744

Attendees must register for the class to attend. Click here to reserve a spot.

This free, 2-hour course is open to community members, regardless of preparedness knowledge. The course will provide an introduction from the experts on how to practice the four steps of emergency preparedness: making a plan, building a kit, knowing your neighbors, and staying informed. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on how to prepare their home, family, and community for a variety of hazards. This is the second time the class has been offered. This installment will focus on winter weather.

“As we watch extreme weather events increase around the globe and here at home, we know working together to prepare for the unexpected is essential,” said Austin Energy General Manager Bob Kahn. “This training will help our neighbors get ready and stay ready for the next emergency, improving resilience for their family and our community.” 

Participants who complete the course will receive a free emergency preparedness starter kit and NOAA weather radio. Interpreters will be available on-site in Spanish and American Sign Language. Other languages can be requested by contacting 3-1-1 at least five days before the event.

Austin HSEM has three additional Ready Together course dates scheduled quarterly throughout 2024. Future training dates and more information on how to prepare can be found at www.ReadyCentralTexas.org .