Natural disasters don’t wait for us to be ready. That’s why Hinton Rural Life Center is offering a free, hands-on Disaster Preparedness Workshop on Thursday, September 4, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, at our Educational Tool Barn, located at 2330 Hinton Center Road in Hayesville, at the corner of Hinton Center Road and Retreat Drive.

This workshop is open to all area residents and will provide vital strategies for staying safe and informed when disaster hits. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, parent, or caregiver, the workshop offers practical tips and expert advice tailored to our region’s most common emergencies. Participants will also receive free giveaways (while supplies last), and light refreshments will be available.

Hinton is partnering with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, who is officially adopting a new public safety broadcast plan that is designed to improve emergency communication and provide real-time information to the public during disasters and critical events. Other local agencies, emergency services, and surrounding sheriff’s offices are encouraged to attend to learn about the system and consider adopting similar approaches.

Workshop presenters include: Jill Long & Sheila Rodgers, long-term residents of Clay and Towns counties, with 73-plus years of nursing between them that includes gerontology certifications and disaster-response team experience; Nick Oliver, Hinton’s construction ministry coordinator and licensed contractor; Malina McKinzie, Hinton’s construction ministry assistant; and Tobin Broguiner, founder of Virtual Storefronts and creator of Main Street 2.0, the first verified local network where small businesses sit alongside sheriffs, mayors, chambers of commerce, and public safety officials.

The event is part of Hinton’s ongoing efforts to build stronger, safer communities through education and outreach with its Safe and Healthy Homes focus. Space is limited. While registration is not required, early arrival is encouraged. For more information, contact Rev. Dawn Martin at revdawn@hintoncenter.org or call 828-389-8336.