(Cleveland) – September is National Preparedness Month, and White County Public Safety is encouraging White County 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 David Murphy, White County Public Safety Director. “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, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency’s Ready Georgia campaign and White County Public Safety 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 to Communicate: Make an Emergency Plan Today, and each week focuses on preparation for different disasters.

• Promote NPM: (Aug. 28-Sept. 3) Kickoff to National Preparedness Month

• Week 2 (Sept.4-10): Preparing With Family and Friends

• Week 3 (Sept. 11-17): Honor 9/11 by Getting involved in your community and planning with your neighbors.

• Week 4 (Sept. 18-24): Individual Preparedness
o Take steps to prepare for a disaster by downloading the Ready GA app.

• Week 5 (Sept. 25-30): Lead Up to National PrepareAthon Day

To encourage preparation and get the communities engaged, GEMHSA is coordinating ‘Who’s Ready, Georgia? The Search for Georgia’s Most Prepared Citizen’, which will be promoted on their Twitter and Facebook beginning September 1. Residents of all counties are encouraged to nominate the most prepared person they know, and votes will be counted at the end of the month. The winner will be recognized as Georgia’s Most Prepared, and awarded a signed certificate from state officials, along with other prizes.

For preparedness on the go, download the Ready Georgia mobile app.

White County Public Safety
1241 Helen Highway, Suite 100
Cleveland, GA. 30528
706-865-9500
www.whitecounty.net

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 Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency 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.

Don’t Wait to Communicate: Make an Emergency Plan Today
Top Five Tips to Get Ready During National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, and White County Public Safety and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency’s Ready Georgia campaign are encouraging all White County residents to use this time to get prepared for emergencies. Georgia regularly faces natural disasters including hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, wildfires and floods. Man-made disasters (such as terrorist attacks and transportation accidents involving hazardous materials) and disease can pose a threat to Georgians and all Americans. Although it’s difficult to predict the unexpected, by staying informed, making a plan and building a kit of supplies, you can ensure that you and your family are disaster ready.

Here are White County Public Safety’s top five tips to get ready during National Preparedness Month:

• Create an emergency communications plan. Your family may be separated during an emergency and phones may not be in service, so it’s vital that your family knows how to reconnect. The Ready Georgia website includes a tool to help you create a customized plan.
• Purchase a NOAA weather radio. A NOAA weather radio can be as much of a lifesaver as a smoke alarm, but up to 76 percent of Georgia households don’t have one. These radios can alert you to severe weather 24 hours a day, giving you time to take shelter and stay safe.
• Prepare your Ready kit. Your kit should include supplies for you and your family to survive at least three days without any aid – including non-perishable food, water, a first aid kit, a flashlight and extra batteries.
• Revisit your kit. If your family has particular needs, take time to help them prepare. Consider what all unique needs your family might have, such as pets, seniors or family members with special needs and make sure they have all items they may need. Since some conditions may require you and your family to evacuate, make sure you know where to go and familiarize yourself with Georgia’s evacuation routes.
• Practice for an emergency. Once you have your kit and plan in place, practice to make sure your family is completely ready in the event of a disaster.
For more information, visit www.whitecounty.net or call White County Public Safety at 706-865-9500. You can also download Ready Georgia’s free mobile app www.ready.ga.gov/mobileapp