Program to prepare seniors for disasters

With one of the worst tornado seasons in recent memory striking across the country during the past several months, natural disasters have been a major topic of discussion; both dealing with the aftermath, and how to prepare for them.

A program being offered today at the Callaway County Senior Center, located at 531 Commons Drive in Fulton, is intended to help area residents - especially those ages 50 and older - learn how they can best be prepared in case of a weather-related or other emergency.

From noon to 1 p.m., Pam Phelps, the medical reserve corps coordinator for the Callaway County Health Department, will present Ready in 3, a program endorsed by the American Red Cross, the State Emergency Management Agency and Missouri's Office of Homeland Security, which focuses on three steps to take to prepare for emergencies.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.