CHRISTIANSBURG

Rescue Squad plans October fundraiser

The Christiansburg Rescue Squad will hold a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Christiansburg High School cafeteria.

The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children. For more information, contact the Christiansburg Rescue Squad at (540) 382-9518.

WYTHEVILLE

Group to hold mental illness education class

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Virginia is sponsoring the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program in Wytheville.

The program is a free 12-week course for family members and significant others of persons diagnosed with a serious mental illness.

The program will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday evenings starting Sept. 15.

Registration is required and class size is limited to 20 people.

The course will present information about the following mental illnesses: schizophrenia, mood disorders (major depression and bipolar disorder), post-traumatic stress disorder, panic and anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder and borderline personality disorder.

Barbara Bartnik, a volunteer teacher trained by NAMI, is the instructor.

For more information or to register, call Bartnik at (276) 686-5590 or e-mail blbartnik@gmail.com.

MONTGOMERY CO.

Fire hydrant tests could discolor water

The Montgomery County Public Service Authority has begun its annual fire hydrant testing and maintenance.

This activity is to ensure proper operation of the fire hydrants and may take up to three weeks, county officials said in a news release.

Residents might notice discolored water during the fire hydrant testing in their area. If this occurs, residents should run their cold water until it clears, which should take only a few minutes.

Contact the Montgomery County Public Service Authority at (540) 381-1997 with questions or comments.

PULASKI CO.

Officials encourage resident preparedness

The Pulaski County Department of Emergency Management is reminding its residents and businesses that September is National Preparedness Month.

Officials are encouraging everyone to be prepared for all types of emergencies and disasters.

The goal, officials said in a news release, for people to be prepared and able to take care of themselves and their families for the first 72 hours after a disaster strikes.

Three simple steps can help you and your family to be better prepared: get a kit; make a plan; and be informed.

A kit should include three days' food that won't spoil, such as canned goods and packaged foods; three days' water (one gallon per person per day); a battery-powered radio with weather band and extra batteries; and a written family emergency plan.

-- The Roanoke Times