(ATLANTA) – Georgia has entered the peak of hurricane season, but that’s not the only type of disaster people should be preparing for right now. National Preparedness Month begins on Sunday, and all month long, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to enhance their Ready kits, update their communications plan and prepare for potential emergencies.

This year’s National Preparedness Month’s theme is “Start a Conversation”, which focuses on preparing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign aims to ensure that families and communities have the tools they need before disaster strikes.

"Georgia has already faced the impacts of a tropical storm, with strong winds and severe flooding in communities that rarely see those conditions,” said GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings. “This will serve as a reminder that no region is immune to experiencing any weather hazard, and we have to prepare for what we least expect."

During National Preparedness Month, all residents are encouraged to take steps toward ensuring the safety of themselves, their families, homes, businesses and communities. There will be a new theme each week to help guide residents on how to prepare themselves for any emergency. The Ready Georgia page offers tools to assist with creating emergency plans and designing emergency kits. Taking a small step each week will increase responsiveness when an emergency occurs. The weekly themes during this year’s National Preparedness Month are as follows:

Week 1: September 1-7         Plan Ahead

Week 2: September 8-14       Make a Plan

Week 3: September 15-21     Build a Kit

Week 4: September 22-30     Stay Informed

For tips and tools to get your family and community ready for a disaster, visit www.gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia. Additional preparedness information is also available from your local EMA Director.

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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.