In collaboration with AmeriCorps Texas, the Fort Bend County Health & Human Services Department, and Sewa International, Fort Bend County Libraries will host a series of free disaster-preparedness 2orkshops for children and adults throughout the month of May at library locations throughout Fort Bend County.

Each workshop will include one session specifically for children and one session for adults. While the adults are attending their workshop, children may remain and participate in special activities.

Families will learn ways to become better prepared and work together as a team during emergency situations, such as hurricanes, floods, winter storms, heat waves, and pandemics. Learn about resources that are available inside and outside the home and develop a plan of action to implement during such times.

The children’s session is recommended for youth ages 6 to 11 years, but children of all ages are welcome. In this 30-minute session, children will learn about disasters and ways they can help their families during such events. Participants will receive “Super Sewa Team” stickers, emergency-contact cards, a Super Sewa sack bag, an activity packet, and coloring sheets.

The presentation for adults will last one hour and will focus on specific disaster preparations. Participants will receive a disaster-prep cheat sheet, a document-protecting bag, stress balls, and a certificate of completion.

The schedule of workshops is as follows:

· May 10 – George Memorial Library,1001 Golfview, Richmond

o Children’s session: 10:15 - 10:45 a.m.

o Adult session: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

· May 21 – Mission Bend Branch Library, 8421 Addicks Clodine Road

o Children’s session: 6 - 6:30 p.m.

o Adult session: 6:45 – 7:45 p.m.

· May 27 – Cinco Ranch Branch Library, 2620 Commercial Center Blvd, Katy

o Children’s session: 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.

o Adult session: 6:45 – 7:45 p.m.

· May 29 – Fulshear Branch Library, 6350 GM Library Road off Texas Heritage Parkway, north of FM 1092 in Fulshear

o Children’s session: 6 – 6:30 p.m.

o Adult session: 6:45 – 7:45 p.m.

AmeriCorps is a federal agency for national service and volunteerism.

Fort Bend County Health & Human Services is the principal agency for protecting the health of county residents and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.

Sewa International is a nonprofit Hindu faith-based, humanitarian service organization registered under Internal Revenue Code 501 (c) (3). The organization specializes in disaster relief and rehabilitation, with programs focusing on family services; child, tribal, and refugee welfare; women empowerment; health; and education.

The workshops are free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).