Residents urged to be prepared

Published 9:35 pm Sunday, August 30, 2015

September is National Preparedness Month, and Whitfield County Emergency Management is advising residents to get ready for all man-made and 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 Claude Craig, director of Whitfield County Emergency Management. “By knowing about 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, Whitfield County Emergency Management and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security 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.” Each week focuses on preparation for different disasters.

• Week 1 (Tuesday through Saturday): Floods: It’s imperative 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 Whitfield County Emergency Management 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. Whitfield County residents need to consider the unique needs of their family, such as pets, seniors or family members with special needs, to ensure they have all 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 nonperishable food, water, a first aid kit, a flashlight and extra batteries.

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, Whitfield County Emergency Management will hold a press conference to discuss the importance of being prepared and recognize the community partners who participated in Whitfield County’s PrepareAthon! in May.

Whitfield County’s PrepareAthon Fall Campaign will continue on Saturday, Oct. 3. Emergency Management has partnered with Home Depot on Shugart Road to participate in its annual safety event from 9 a.m. to noon. During this event you will be able to talk to emergency personnel about disasters and how to prepare. On Sunday, Oct. 4, we are encouraging local faith-based organizations to participate by encouraging the congregation to become prepared at home and at the church facility.

For more information about local National Preparedness Month activities, visit Whitfield County Emergency Management’s Facebook Page, call (706) 259-3730 or email ema@whitfieldcountyga.com. For preparedness on the go, download the Ready Georgia mobile app.