North Mississippi Red Cross Offers Free Disaster Prep Sessions at Lafayette Libraries

The North Mississippi Red Cross is bringing free disaster preparedness training to Lafayette County today, March 13, with sessions on tornado and ice storm readiness scheduled at both the Lafayette County Public Library and the Oxford Public Library.

The two-topic program covers some of the most consequential weather threats facing north Mississippi residents. Tornado season and winter ice storms have historically disrupted communities across the region, and the sessions aim to educate attendees on how to prepare before those emergencies arrive, not during them.

The American Red Cross, which organizes disaster readiness programming across the country, describes its core mission as preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The organization's stated goal is to achieve positive health outcomes and create a more resilient community, language that frames these local library sessions as part of a broader institutional commitment rather than a one-off event.

Both library locations are hosting the sessions at no cost to attendees. The Lafayette County Public Library and Oxford Public Library serve as accessible, central venues that lower the barrier to participation for people across the county.

The United Way of Oxford, Lafayette County and the LOU Area lists the American Red Cross among its community partners, reflecting the network of organizations working on public welfare in the Lafayette County area. UWOLC also maintains ongoing volunteer and internship opportunities for residents interested in supporting outreach, fundraising, and community awareness work. Those interested in volunteering with UWOLC can contact Kurt Brummett directly via email through the organization.

Specific session times, presenter names, and registration requirements were not available at press time. Prospective attendees should contact the North Mississippi Red Cross or either library directly to confirm those details before heading out today.