September is National Preparedness Month, and the Spalding County Emergency Management Agency is asking Spalding County residents to take the necessary steps to insure that they and their families are prepared for any man-made or natural disasters.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready America campaign, National Preparedness Month was founded after 9/11 to increase awareness and encourage action for emergency preparedness nationwide.
“National Preparedness Month is an ideal time for all residents to revisit their emergency preparedness efforts,” said Kenny West, Director of the Spalding County Emergency Management Agency “By anticipating potential local threats, making a plan and building a kit of emergency supplies, residents can ensure the safety of their families in the event of a disaster.”
Throughout the month of September, the Spalding County Emergency Management Agency and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA/HS) Ready Georgia campaign will join a nationwide coalition of thousands of private, public and nonprofit organizations, each hosting local events and initiatives designed to motivate people to take the necessary steps to ensure that their homes, workplaces and communities are prepared for disasters and emergencies of all kinds. This year’s theme is Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make an Emergency Plan Today, and each week focuses on preparation for different disasters.
Week 1 (Sept. 1-5): Floods – It is imperative that all residents are aware of their area’s flood risk and familiarize themselves with terms that are used to identify a flood. If unsure, call the Spalding County Emergency Management Agency or Spalding County Community Development, or visit floodsmart.gov.
Week 2 (Sept. 6-12): Wildfires – Creating an emergency communications plan will help ensure families know what to do if separated during a wildfire. The Ready Georgia website includes a tool to help create a customized plan and build a Ready kit. Spalding County residents need to consider the unique needs of their family, their as pets and seniors or family members with special needs, to ensure they have all of the items they may need if they are asked to evacuate.
Week 3 (Sept. 13-19): Hurricanes – Hurricanes don’t have to directly hit Georgia or even be classified as “major” to cause significant damage. Residents may be asked to evacuate, so it’s important to identify several places they could go in an emergency and familiarize themselves with local evacuation routes.
Weeks 4 and 5 (Sept. 20-30): Power Outage and National PrepareAthon! Day – Prior to a storm, it’s important for all residents to have their Ready kits fully stocked. Kits should include supplies for families to survive at least three days without any power or aid – including non-perishable food, water, a first aid kit, a flashlight and extra batteries.
For more information about local National Preparedness Month activities, contact the Spalding County Emergency Management Agency at 770-228-2129. For preparedness on the go, download the Ready Georgia mobile app from http://ready.ga.gov/beinformed/alerts-and-warnings/mobileapp/.
About Ready Georgia
Ready Georgia is a statewide campaign designed to educate and empower Georgians to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, potential terrorist attacks and other large-scale emergencies. The campaign is a project of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA/HS) and provides a local dimension to Ready America, a broader national campaign. Ready Georgia aims to prepare citizens for maintaining self-sufficiency for at least 72 hours following an emergency, and uses an interactive website, free mobile app, broadcast and print advertising and public awareness media messaging to reach its audiences. Ready Georgia is also on Facebook and YouTube.