Pike County to hold Be Ready Day

September has been designated as national preparedness month by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Pike County, as part of its efforts with the National Preparedness Month initiative, will be hosting a Be Ready Day on Sept. 12.  The Pike County Emergency Management Agency is partnering with the Troy University as part of a grant funded through ServeAlabama and the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Volunteer Service.

When asked how he felt about this new partnership, Herbert Reeves, Dean of Student Services replied, “Partnership is essential, especially in a time of crisis.  This partnership is part of the crucial relationships necessary to get the resources needed in the case of disaster.”

Dean Reeves has said that he is looking forward to the event, and is hoping to have a good turnout.

“I’m hoping students will participate and get a chance to recognize the first responders in Pike County, and get the chance to learn about the resources available and about disaster preparedness in general.”

During the Be Ready Day from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the parking lot of the Trojan Arena first responders, both volunteer and professional, will be available to show case response and rescue equipment, as well as interacting with citizens through interactive demonstrations and stressing the importance of public awareness of disaster preparation.

“I’m really excited to see the various organizations that will be represented there”, said Caleb Lolley, a sophomore nursing major from Geneva and member of the recently formed Campus Emergency Response Team.  “It will be great to see fellow students coming out to learn about disaster preparedness.”

Immediately following this, a short recognition ceremony will be held inside the Trojan Arena to both honor all the first responders that put their lives on the line for the citizens of Pike County on a daily basis.

An additional part of the ceremony will be the remembrance of those who lost their lives in the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001.  This event is open for anyone who wishes to attend.