Troy University will host the WSFA First Alert Weather Meteorologists Weather Tour on July 18 in the Trojan Center parking lot adjacent to the track and field complex.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and will feature area first responder agencies, severe weather-related vendors, state and federal agencies including the National Weather Service and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. The Pike County EMA will be on hand, and will conduct a drawing for five NOAA Weather Radios.

“This event is about bringing to the community an awareness of storm preparedness and the tools available to the public to help keep them safe when severe weather strikes,” said WSFA Chief Meteorologist Josh Johnson.

WSFA Chief Meteorologist Josh Johnson and his team, who will be on site providing live weather casts during the evening news cycle, said the idea of bringing a preparedness program to the communities was an outcropping of devastating tornadoes in Lee County and Troy this year.

“We’ve been wanting to put together a public event for some time in Troy for Pike County, and the opportunity to partner with WSFA is perfect to bring potentially life-saving information and resources to our community,” said Dean of Student Services Herb Reeves, who also serves as the Pike County EMA director.

“Preparedness and awareness are the keys to survival in severe weather. Knowing what to do, where to go and having a personal plan of action is critical in staying safe,” Reeves said. “We hope the Weather Tour next Thursday will help arm the Pike County and the campus community with the information they need to survive a storm.”

In addition to the state and National Weather Service, other local and regional agencies that will be on hand include the Troy University Police Department, the City of Troy Police Department, City of Troy Fire Department, City of Troy Utilities Department, Haynes Ambulance, Pike County EMA, Pike County E-911, and the American Red Cross. Haynes Ambulance will also have on display one of its air ambulance helicopters at the event.

Local restaurants such as Momma Goldberg’s and the University’s food service provider Sodexo will join hands to offer free food and beverages for those in attendance.