(ATLANTA) – Emergencies can happen as quickly as Hurricane Idalia developed, leaving little or no time to prepare. Fortunately, preparation can start now for any unexpected disaster. National Preparedness Month begins today, and all month long, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) is encouraging all Georgians to prepare for natural and man-made disasters. This year’s National Preparedness Month’s theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3”, which focuses on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically from communities that are disproportionally impacted by the all-hazard events.

“Our state always experiences unpredictable weather at any time of the year, and Hurricane Idalia was no surprise,” said GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings. “We never want to be in a situation where we aren’t ready for any disaster, that’s why participating in National Preparedness Month allows our residents to think ahead and plan for emergencies like this.”

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, along with daily tips for each theme, 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 1-9           Plan Ahead

Week 2: September 10-16       Make a Plan

Week 3: September 17-23       Build a Kit

Week 4: September 24-30       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.