Emergency Management Hosts SKYWARN Class

September is National Preparedness Month and residents are encouraged to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. As part of National Preparedness Month, Broward Emergency Management Division will host a training class for SKYWARN Storm Spotters on Saturday, September 17, at the Broward County Emergency Operations Center in Plantation. The registration deadline is September 15 and preregistration is required by phone or email. Space is limited; only 60 seats are available on a first come, first served basis. To register, call 954-249-5343 or email n4hhp@comcast.net.

Cultural Division Re-Launches Arts Education Directory

Broward Cultural Division has re-launched its online Arts Education Directory – a listing of high-quality art programs presented by professional art educators. The Arts Education Directory presents interactive learning-experiences for youth, teens, adults, seniors and special needs individuals. Visit the Broward Cultural Division Web Site, www.broward.org/arts and click ARTS EDUCATION, to access additional information on Arts Education in Broward County or call 954-357-7869.

E-Reader Services Continue to Expand at Broward County Libraries

E-books and e-readers have become so popular that Broward County Libraries will have 100 Kindle, Nook and Sony Electronic e-readers available at 12 libraries by year’s end. The e-readers can be checked out for two weeks and come pre-loaded with many best seller, classic, non-fiction and fiction books. Participating libraries include: Deerfield Beach Percy White Branch, North Regional/Broward College Library, South Regional/Broward College Library, Northwest Regional Library, Weston Branch, Main Library, and Margate Catharine Young Branch. For more information, visit www.broward.org/library.

County Water Parks Close September 25

Broward County Water Parks will be open through Labor Day, Monday, September 5. After Labor Day, water parks will be open weekends only from Saturday, September 10, through Sunday, September 25. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during this time, and sessions will not be in effect. Sunday, September 25, is the last day of the 2011 season.

It’s “Souper” September for 365 Food Drive

Broward County’s yearlong 365 Food Drive continues through September with a focus on canned and instant soups as well as small toiletries. Collection boxes are available at the Governmental Center, Government Center West, main and regional courthouses, all Broward County libraries, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Administration building, and Port Everglades Administration building. For a list of donation sites, visit www.broward.org/fooddrive.

Home Damage Assessment Program Wins Technology Award

A mobile application developed by Broward County that allows residents to report damage assessment activities in the aftermath of an emergency, such as a hurricane, has been recognized by the International Data Group (IDG) Computerworld Honors Program for its innovative use of technology.

Residents who access Broward County’s Home Damage Assessment Program are able to view a series of four photos showing various levels of home damage, select the photo that most closely resembles their level of damage and click “Submit.” When accessed from a mobile device, such as a cell phone, the caller’s location is automatically geo-coded to a map. When reported from a computer, or through the County’s Call Center, the resident provides address information that is also mapped. To bookmark the site, visit www.broward.org/hurricane and click HOME DAMAGE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM. Residents can also follow Broward County in an emergency on Twitter@ReadyBroward, or subscribe to receive Hurricane Updates via email.

Economic and Small Business Development Calendar is Online

A business calendar of informative and educational community events and workshops is available on the Office of Economic and Small Business Development’s Web Site, www.broward.org/econdev and click BUSINESS EVENTS. Upcoming events for September include: “How to Get on the Road to Recovery,” September 13 and September 21; “How to do Business With Broward County,” September 15; and “Importing Food Products in Compliance With FDA and U.S. Customs Rules,” September 21. The online calendar provides event details as well as meeting times, locations and contact information.

Rabies Clinic is September 10

Broward County Animal Care and Adoption will hold a Rabies Clinic on Saturday, September 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Collins Community Center, 3900 N.E. Third Ave., Oakland Park. Get your pets vaccinated against rabies and receive a Broward County pet license. Cost for the vaccination and license is $15 per pet with cash only payment accepted. Pet owners must prove Broward County residency by producing a valid Florida driver’s license or current utility bill. No appointment is necessary and customers are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. All dogs must be on leashes and all cats must be in carriers. For more information on animal licensing and adoptions, visit www.broward.org/animal or follow us on Twitter@BrowardPetPals.

Get Two Cats for One Price

Broward County Animal Care and Adoption has announced that September 30 is the last day to adopt two cats at the single adoption fee of $74.95. The fee for both cats includes a health exam, vaccinations, feline leukemia/AIDS test, spaying or neutering and a Broward County pet license. The special rate also applies to the adoptable cats located at all Pet Supermarket stores in Broward County. For more information, visit www.broward.org/Animal or call 954-359-1010.

Sign up for Coastal Cleanup

Volunteers are needed throughout Broward County to participate in the 26th Annual International Coastal Cleanup, sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy and coordinated by Broward County Natural Resources Planning and Management, to be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 17.

Participants can sign up event day at any of these 12 locations: Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Oakland Park, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, John U. Lloyd State Park, Dania Beach, Hollywood Beach North, Hollywood Beach Central, Hollywood Beach South and Hallandale Beach. Volunteers should bring a hat, sunscreen, gloves and water. For additional Coastal Cleanup information and site map, visit www.broward.org/NaturalResources and click BEACH AND MARINE, or call 954-519-1270.