Disaster preparedness will be the topic of discussion at Thursday’s meeting of Rowan Salisbury AARP Chapter 4314.

The meeting starts at 1 p.m. at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 1120 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., with a salad bar lunch provided by members.

The speaker will be Heather Lemaster, disaster program specialist for the American Red Cross. Lemaster has worked with the Red Cross since 2015 after three years as a volunteer. She covers Rowan, Cabarrus, Stanly, Montgomery, Union and Anson counties, with a combined population of 647,000.

“Preparedness is my passion,” said Lemaster, who will talk about what people need for most storms, from thunderstorms to hurricanes. The program, “Be Red Cross Ready,” is “Have a Kit, Make a Plan and Be Informed.” She will demonstrate the kit and have handouts available.

AARP is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps people 50 and older have independence, choice and control.

The meeting is free and open to the public. Rowan County residents 50 and older are invited to join the local chapter.

Members do not have to be retired to join. The annual dues for the chapter are $4. Monthly chapter meetings provide a forum for members to discuss local, state and national issues.

For more information, call 704-216-7714.