MONTGOMERY- With September designated as National Preparedness Month, the State of Alabama is holding several events to promote citizen disaster preparedness. The statewide disaster preparedness campaign is “Be Ready Alabama,” and these events will teach Alabamians how to be properly prepared for any type of disaster.

Be Ready Camp kicks off this week in Huntsville at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. More than 200 sixth-graders across the state will attend three separate camp sessions during September. The first camp session is September 2-6. The second is September 9-13, and the third is September 16-20.

This camp will teach the students, Alabama’s Youth Preparedness Delegates, how to prepare and respond during any type of disaster as well as encourage future jobs as first responders.

“There are many competing demands for the careers our young people will one day choose,” Alabama Homeland Security Director Jim Walker said. “One of Governor Riley’s goals with Be Ready Camp is to expose Alabama’s youth to the importance of public service in their communities. In a few short years these young people will be police officers, firefighters, military personnel and other first responders throughout Alabama and our Nation. We cannot afford to wake up one day and have a shortage of available first responders. This camp opens the door to service opportunities for our youth.”

The camp concludes each week with a mock disaster where the students act as the first responders. They will be assisted during the disaster by professional emergency personnel. These youth delegates will also take the information they’ve learned about being prepared to their communities.

Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Sydney Hoffman said, “Be Ready Camp is an investment in our future. These youth will take the training they receive back to their hometowns and share the preparedness message with families, churches and communities. As these young people become adults, we hope to have a generation of well prepared and well trained Alabamians.”

Be Ready Day in Mobile will conclude the month’s events. First responders and volunteer organizations will demonstrate their capabilities and answer questions concerning preparedness. Be Ready Day is from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Friday, September 26.

Be Ready Camp and Be Ready Day are organized by the Alabama Department of Homeland Security and the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. More information on how to “Be Ready” can be found at www.readyalabama.org