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.

“By working together to bring this training to the community, our departments are providing an excellent opportunity for members of the public to learn how to get and stay prepared for winter weather and other disruptions,” said Austin Energy General Manager Bob Kahn.

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 .