USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA,) Rural Development (RD) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are holding five public meetings where USDA program updates and the Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers Claims Process will be discussed.  

The 180--day Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers claims filing period opened September 24, 2012, and will close on March 25, 2013.

Below is a list of upcoming USDA public meetings:

President Barack Obama has declared September National Preparedness Month and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, urge Alabamians and their families to take this time to update their disaster preparedness plan.

As the April tornadoes and Hurricane Irene illustrate, people may need to survive on their own after an emergency. This means having food, water, and other supplies for each family member for at least three days.

“Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. It is important to get a kit, make a plan, and be informed of disasters that can occur in Alabama,” said Jeff Byard, state coordinating officer for AEMA.

Recommended items in a basic emergency supply kit should last for up to 72 hours before help arrives.

A combination of warm temperatures, strong winds and low relative humidity has resulted in a Red Flag Warning for much of Alabama. This means that outdoor burning can become dangerous quickly.

The National Weather Service has more information on their website about this type of warning.