Marty Roberts brings small town perspective to statewide issue
Community, News October 28, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga – Director Marty Roberts will now serve on a statewide committee dedicated to bringing 911 operations into the future using Geospatial Information Systems (GIS).
The board of five people from around the state will craft a GIS strategy for Georgia as part of next-generation 911. They will set the standards for all GIS in Georgia and will work under state officer Susan Miller.
From the GEMA website, “GIS provides spatial analyses, develops cartographical information, creates GIS applications and tools, and oversees the GIS information and data management activities to support the mission of the agency.”
“Because of his knowledge of both sides of the house, so to speak, his willingness to share the unique challenges for communities like Towns County, and his history of valuable discussion in the next generation discussion, Marty was an easy choice to be working on with the group,” Director Natalie Lee said in a letter.
Example of a GIS map
They originally approached Roberts three years ago and they continued to ask him to serve until the State Director called him personally.
“I think I would be doing Towns County a disservice if I didn’t do it because we’re going to be able to put a small county out there that’s not just going to be the big counties in the state as a decision-maker,” Roberts explained.
The board meets once a month and has already issued some standards as well as a statewide GIS survey to gain a feel for where the 159 counties are in the process. Some don’t have a GIS map at all.
“The problem that’s going to be is when next-generation 911 takes over. Your 911 call is going to be controlled by the shape of your county. Your shapefile of where your county is at is where those 911 calls are going to go to. It’s going to be a huge undertaking for the state and for counties to get up to speed,” Roberts added.
Towns County is ready for this transition and the 911 center is prepared for the next generation system. Over the past year, Towns County 911 Center received several upgrades to become one of the best in the state. It has a new CAD system, radio system, phone system, and it will continue to improve as new technology becomes available.
One system will ping the caller’s cell phone location and pull it up on the GIS map. Also, text is in the process of being added to Towns County 911.
The 911 center now has four consoles and a laptop, so calls can be taken in the courthouse if necessary.
“He’s not leaving us, but they’re going to be recruiting some of his knowledge and time. They recognize that he has the knowledge and want and need to do better for our 911 system and public safety. Congratulations, we’re very proud of you,” Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw stated.
UPDATE: Gov. Kemp instructs medically at-risk individuals to shelter in place
Featured Stories, State & National March 23, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – In a March 23 press conference, Gov. Kemp issued multiple executive orders and asked for the public’s help to ensure everyone is following CDC and Georgia Department of Health (DPH) guidelines during the country’s self-quarantine.
While Kemp is still hesitant to shut down all non-essential businesses or institute a statewide mandatory quarantine, he did issue an executive order to all medically fragile individuals to shelter in place. He listed off these individuals: the elderly, underlying conditions, cancer patients, or anyone suspected of having COVID-19.
In another executive order, Kemp closed all bars and nightclubs in the state and banned large gatherings (more than 10).
Kemp also said to fellow Georgians that if they see anyone not following the CDC of DPH guidelines, “call them out or report them to us.” He seemed prepared to take action against anyone not listening to his instructions or taking COVID-19 seriously.
“Fight this virus with everything you got,” stated Kemp toward the end of his press conference.
Georgians can also call the DPH COVID-19 hotline at (844) 442-2681. If they believe that they’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact their primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Do not show up at a clinic or emergency room unannounced.
Georgia now has 23 referral-only testing facilities in the state. Kemp released the location of the facilities in a tweet.
We now have 23 referral-only test sites across the state. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/lm37lPPP4J
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) March 23, 2020
Update from March 15, 2020 below
Gov. Kemp, Georgia Department of Health (DPH), and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) started construction of a quarantine zone in Monroe County on March 14, 2020. Additionally, the Georgia General Assembly ratified the executive order declaring a Public Health State of Emergency.
“This is one of many measures that we’re taking to prepare for any scenario,” said Gov. Kemp. “I appreciate the hard work of GEMA, DPH, and Monroe County officials to protect the health and safety of all Georgians.”
Gov. Brian Kemp
The quarantine space is for people who are unable to self-isolate and is located in the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) Campus in Monroe County. The quarantine space will be able to accommodate twenty temporary housing units. No patients are currently located at the facility.
Monroe County is working with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and GPSTC officials to ensure the facility will meet the needs of potential patients while protecting the health and safety of Monroe County residents.
Public Health Emergency Ratification
Kemp can now officially enforce all laws, rules, and regulations associated with the emergency; assume control of all state civil forces and helpers; seize property temporarily for public’s protection; exercise other duties deemed necessary for safety; use all the resources available of the state government; direct evacuation; suspend of alcohol, explosives, and combustibles; and provide temporary housing if applicable.
Since this is a public health emergency, Kemp also has the ability to “implement a mandatory vaccination or quarantine” in accordance with O.C.G.A. Code 38-3-51(i)(2). The Georgia Department of Health (DPH) already has this capability to mandate quarantine and vaccinations.
Additionally, Kemp can direct DPH’s efforts to coordinate the department’s response to the crisis from risk assessments, mitigation, responses, and recovery throughout the state.
The General Assembly also granted Kemp the ability to extend the state of emergency if the elected representative body can’t convene in time.
Original Article:
On Saturday morning, Governor Brian Kemp officially declared Georgia’s first Public Health Emergency, freeing up resources and granting additional powers to Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA). The General Assembly will vote on the executive order on Monday.
A Public Health Emergency is enacted when an infectious disease/illness presents an imminent threat and can potentially result in a high number of deaths and/or exposure could harm large amounts of people.
So, what exactly does this executive order entail for Georgians? In short, it guarantees a continuous supply of medical goods and other emergency materials, as well as giving DPH and GEMA powers to “taken any action necessary to protect the public’s health” with the governor’s permission.
The department of public health is authorized to “actively monitor” persons under investigation (PUI), including a risk assessment within 24 hours of identification, and twice-daily temperature checks for 14 days or until a negative test result.
Here’s the entire executive order for those who want to review it.
These actions include “implementing quarantine, isolation, and other necessary public health interventions in accordance with O.C.G.A. Code 31-12-4 and Code 38-3-51(i)(2) or as other authorized by law.
O.C.G.A. Code 31-12-4 addresses isolation and segregation of diseased persons stating the DPH and county boards can isolate or quarantine individuals suspected of harboring infectious diseases, or until they test negative for the contagion. The department also must widely publicize the rules and regulations for the quarantine.
O.C.G.A. Code 38-3-51(i)(2) lists the due processes afforded to those in quarantine and seeks to leave before the department of public health gives the okay.
Additionally, the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan is activated. DPH and GEMA must coordinate with state, federal, and local government, recovery operations, mitigation, emergency response activities, CDC, and the release of the national stockpile of goods.
The public must also be informed about public health operations, including education and prevention measures.
Commercial vehicles have certain restrictions lifted, so they can operate more freely to move supplies throughout the state.
Georgia Board of Nurses and Georgia Composite Medical Board can grant temporary licenses to applicants that are in good standing with an equivalent board in another state.
All state and local healthcare facilities, physicians, clinics, and personnel must comply with the governor’s orders.
Price gouging on products on goods and services necessary in this public health emergency is prohibited.
The Georgia National Guard was called in on March 14 to assist in the crisis.
The executive order expires on April 13, 2020, unless Gov. Kemp renews it.
Copy of Gov. Kemp Special Session proclamation.
Kemp declares Public Health Emergency, what does it mean?
Featured Stories March 15, 2020
ATLANTA, Ga – On Saturday morning, Governor Brian Kemp officially declared Georgia’s first Public Health Emergency, freeing up resources and granting additional powers to Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA). The General Assembly will vote on the executive order on Monday.
So, what exactly does this executive order entail Georgians? In short, it guarantees a continuous supply of medical goods and other emergency materials, as well as giving DPH and GEMA powers to “taken any action necessary to protect the public’s health” with the governor’s permission.
The department of public health is authorized to “actively monitor” persons under investigation (PUI), including a risk assessment within 24 hours of identification, and twice-daily temperature checks for 14 days or until a negative test result.
Here’s the entire executive order for those who want to review it.
These actions include “implementing quarantine, isolation, and other necessary public health interventions in accordance with O.C.G.A. Code 31-12-4 and Code 38-3-51(i)(2) or as other authorized by law.
O.C.G.A. Code 31-12-4 addresses isolation and segregation of diseased persons stating the DPH and county boards can isolate or quarantine individuals suspected of harboring infectious diseases, or until they test negative for the contagion. The department also must widely publicize the rules and regulations for the quarantine.
O.C.G.A. Code 38-3-51(i)(2) lists the due processes afforded to those in quarantine and seeks to leave before the department of public health gives the okay.
Additionally, the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan is activated. DPH and GEMA must coordinate with state, federal, and local government, recovery operations, mitigation, emergency response activities, CDC, and the release of the national stockpile of goods.
The public must also be informed about public health operations, including education and prevention measures.
Commercial vehicles have certain restrictions lifted, so they can operate more freely to move supplies throughout the state.
Georgia Board of Nurses and Georgia Composite Medical Board can grant temporary licenses to applicants that are in good standing with an equivalent board in another state.
All state and local healthcare facilities, physicians, clinics, and personnel must comply with the governor’s orders.
Price gouging on products on goods and services necessary in this public health emergency is prohibited.
The Georgia National Guard was called in on March 14 to assist in the crisis.
The executive order expires on April 13, 2020, unless Gov. Kemp renews it.
Copy of Gov. Kemp Special Session proclamation.
Towns County GOP, security speaker apologize for media ban
News October 1, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FetchYourNews (FYN) reported on social media Thursday evening that FYN’s entry into an event sponsored by the Towns County Republican Party was denied. Chris Gaubatz, an Islamic expert and author of “Muslim Mafia,” was the scheduled speaker. Gaubatz is a national security consultant whom FYN reported on in March without incident.
The topic of the Sept. 26 discussion was “conservative activism” with morning and evening workshops planned. The speaking engagement was held at the Towns County Civic Center, a government-owned facility with meeting space offered to the county’s dual political parties without charge. A $10 per person reservation fee was requested for the popular event, with attendance secured the week prior for FYN’s reporter and a guest.
A sign announcing the meeting at the Towns County Civic Center.
The meeting, however, did not proceed as expected.
FYN’s reporter was advised soon after arrival by Towns County 1st Vice Chairman, John Alger, that FYN’s attendance was no longer welcome at the event, purported as relayed by speaker Gaubatz. Gaubatz was witnessed in conversation with Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton outside of the public building immediately prior to notification and throughout the ordeal. Alger, who claimed that he was “just the messenger,” falsely deemed the function an “executive session” to FYN. An executive session is a term for a time block within an otherwise open meeting in which minutes are taken separately, outsiders are not permitted, and the contents of the discussion are treated as confidential.
In addition to the media ban, FYN’s guest – a Towns County Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security deputy – was also denied entry after creditials were presented through Alger. The issue was promptly forwarded by the county official to local and state authorities for appropiate review.
Towns GOP 1st Chair John Alger returning a Towns County Homeland Security deputy’s identification after the official was refused entry. Also pictured: Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton (center) with Chris Gaubatz (right)
Towns County Republican Chairwoman Betsy Young, who did not attend the workshop, extended an earnest apology to FYN the following day. Young stated that the handling of the matter was “not acceptable.” Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, who arrived at the civic center after the meeting began, additionally expressed disapproval.
Furthermore, Gaubatz contacted FYN’s reporter Monday, Sept. 30, offering sincere amends for the situation. Gaubatz relayed that while the decision was ultimately his, he did not understand the situation correctly, presumably based off questionable information received from Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton. “You being there would have been fine,” Gaubatz said in part. “I feel terrible…Looking back, I should have talked to you.” Gaubatz, who resides in Virginia, added that he hopes to personally meet with FYN’s reporter and the Homeland Security official when he returns to Towns County.
The incident has left local Republicans calling for GOP 1st Chair John Alger’s resignation due to his involvement in the situation.
Feature Image: Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton (left) with speaker Chris Gaubatz before the Republican-sponsored event.
FYN Archive:
CAIR director, county attorney weigh in on controversial media ban
News October 2, 2019HIAWASSEE, Ga. – CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) Georgia Executive Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell contacted FetchYourNews (FYN) Oct. 2, regarding a controversial incident occuring in Towns County last Thursday. Mitchell voiced staunch criticism toward a media ban initiated at an event sponsored by the Towns County Republican Party at the Towns County Civic Center. FYN previously reported denied entry into the “conservation activism workshop” featuring national security consultant Chris Gaubatz. Mitchell boldly described Gaubatz in the phone conversation as an “expert in anti-Islam.”
Mitchell, a former criminal prosecutor and journalist, chided that prohibiting media access was an illicit act due to the fact that the meeting was held at a government facility. Mitchell stated that he was “not surprised” that the incident had occurred, describing Gaubatz as “paranoid” and “not willing to be criticized.” What has caused greater concern, Mitchell said, was that Gaubatz’s decision to thwart media coverage was conducted “in partnership with the sheriff.”
Towns GOP 1st Chair John Alger returning the Towns County Homeland Security deputy’s identification when asked to leave the public facility. Also pictured: Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton (center) with Chris Gaubatz (right)
Gaubatz later extended an apology to FYN for prohibiting access to the “not super secret” meeting. Gaubatz explained that the decision to prevent entry was based on misleading information, presumably gained from Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton, who was witnessed engaged in conversation with Gaubatz at the time that FYN was asked to leave.
The news was delivered to the political reporter by Towns County GOP 1st Vice Chair John Alger who falsely termed the meeting an “executive session.” Alger was reported by a law enforcement officer inside of the meeting as making light of the situation with Sheriff Clinton, repeating the phrase “executive session” as the reason given for denial. The issue has left local conservatives calling for Alger’s resignation as a Republican officer. Towns County GOP Chair Betsy Young, who has voiced apologetic disapproval, stated that an executive board meeting will likely take place in the near future.
Based on information gathered from sources, FYN’s reporter defines the incident as “deliberate suppression of freedom of the press set forth by an elected official sworn to uphold the Constitution.”
CAIR Georgia is expected to issue an official statement on Gaubatz and the controversial incident, adding that the organization intends to contact the Towns County Republican Party and Towns County Sheriff’s Office concerning the matter.
Furthermore, a Towns County Emergency Management/Homeland Security deputy director who accompanied the reporter to the event was prevented from attending, despite reservations and official credentials presented to the speaker and the sheriff. The matter is under investigation by Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) at this time.
Sheriff Chris Clinton with Chris Gaubatz at the Towns County Civic Center.
Towns County Attorney Robb Kiker issued a formal statement on behalf of Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, whom Kiker described as “prudent in protecting the integrity of the office.” Commissioner Bradshaw was not present at the event when the incident occurred, later learning details of the situation through third-party accounts.
“I understand Mr. Bradshaw personally expressed disappointment in the handling of the matter,” Attorney Kiker said. “This is characteristic of Mr. Bradshaw because I have always found him to be a strong supporter of the Constitution and, particular to this matter, the freedom of speech.”
Towns County Republican Chair Betsy Young, Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton, and Security Consultant Chris Gaubatz did not respond to FYN’s invitation to comment on recent developments.
FYN archive: Chris Gaubatz event, March 2019:
Towns County adopts GEMA-FEMA approved hazard mitigation plan
News January 18, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Earlier this week, Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw adopted a multi-jurisdiction hazard mitigation plan as approved by state and federal emergency management agencies.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), hazard mitigation is any action taken to reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural disasters. Hazard mitigation planning is a process used by state, tribal, and local governments to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters and develop mitigation strategies to reduce or eliminate long term risks.
Towns County was awarded a $21,000 federal grant to fund the project. Additional grants were stated as available.
Towns County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Rickey Mathis was on hand to explain the program. Mathis imparted that the strategy is not a cookie-cutter template, rather the local emergency operation plan is designed specifically for Towns County, and focuses on the hazards most likely to occur within the immediate area.
Mathis stressed that personal preparation is of utmost importance. “Prepare your own self. Prepare your family,” the EMA director advised, explaining that while emergency crews are trained to identify and respond to widespread disaster, resources could become exhausted in the event of a catastrophe.
Information on emergency preparedness can be found at ready.gov
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Towns County Fire and Rescue Disaster Drill
News August 15, 2017
Towns County EMA Deputy Director Brandon Walls and GEMA Homeland Security Coordinator Dave Shakes
Towns County, GA – Towns County Fire and Rescue participated in an emergency preparedness drill on Monday, August 14. The drill was implemented and evaluated by local and state Emergency Management Agencies (EMA). This year’s mock scenario was a tornado disaster which touched down at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.
Under the supervision of their Pack Leaders, Towns County Cub Scouts, Den #407, played the role of “victims” to provide realistic training for the firefighters involved. The scouts, along with other volunteers, gathered at Anderson Music Hall located on the fairgrounds. Each participant was assigned “injuries” ranging from broken legs to serious trauma by an EMA director.
The group then positioned themselves throughout the dimly lit music hall shortly before 5 p.m. and awaited the arrival of first responders. The firefighters involved were unaware of the situation and the location of the drill until their “tones dropped” at the start of the exercise. The dispatched call relayed a tornado had touched down during a weather event which resulted in the structure of the arena collapsing.
Towns County Cub Scouts, Den #407
Firefighters arrived on scene, assessed the situation, and suited up in their gear to begin the search for “victims” of the tragedy inside. Those who were able to walk were lead to a triage station outdoors. Those who could not were triaged inside of the concert hall.
Fetch Your News correspondent, Robin Webb, was invited to play the role of a “pesky reporter”, along with other reporters who covered the drill, by EMA Deputy Director Brandon Walls. She was instructed to hinder first responders by attempting to learn information and gain access to restricted areas in order to test the response of firefighters. After a short time inside the arena, she was asked to remain in the parking area.
The media is typically prohibited from passing beyond the set perimeter of real life emergency scenes.
Meanwhile on Lake Chatuge, which borders the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, a secondary scenario was taking place. The training consisted of a search and rescue effort conducted by the Towns County Fire and Rescue Dive Team.
Towns County Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Harold Koppell
According to Captain Terry Parker, three boaters were said to have been on the lake when the tornado tossed them into the water. One boater was still with the vessel, another, simulated by a mannequin, was said to have been seen clinging to a fence, while the third boater’s whereabouts were unknown. Cadaver dogs were called while a land search ensued. The male “victim” was located in a ditch, alive but “injured”.
When asked how he thought the crew performed, Battalion Chief Harold Koppell said he felt they did well for the first drill of this type. “It took a little while to get in there, but in a real life situation you don’t want to go in like gangbusters. That’s how people get hurt,” Koppell explained.
The exercise ended with a group briefing attended by Fire Chief Harold Copeland and Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw.
Chief Copeland tells Fetch Your News the purpose of the exercise was to test the firefighters strengths and discover aspects which could be improved upon.
“We never stop training,” Chief Copeland affirmed.
Hurricane Irma Evacuees Seek Higher Ground
News September 7, 2017
Hiawassee, GA – Towns County is beginning to feel the impact of Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in recorded history, as residents in the projected path head toward higher ground.
Southern Florida expects to begin experiencing the hurricane’s wrath as early as Saturday morning. Where the storm will make landfall isn’t certain, but residents from southeastern states are taking the threat to heart.
As mandatory evacuations continue in coastal regions, Hurricane Irma has the potential to create gridlock in Florida as evacuees attempt to travel north. There are reports of gas shortages throughout the Sunshine state.
“Do not wait for this storm to come,” Florida Governor Rick Scott said. “Get out now.”
Hurricane Irma’s projected path via weather.com
Gabriel Chastain, an assistant manager at the Holiday Inn in Hiawassee, says the hotel has seen a sharp increase in reservations due to Hurricane Irma’s approach. Chastain says rooms are nearly sold out for the coming week, mainly filled with residents from Florida and southern Georgia.
Local stores and gas stations are seeing a spike in sales as citizens prepare for the storm.
Hurricane Irma, a German name meaning “war goddess”
Joan Truman, a retired elementary school teacher from Florida’s east central coast, decided it was best to heed warnings and evacuate her home state. “I’ve rode out hurricanes [in Florida] before, but this one made me especially antsy. We thought it was best to pack up and visit our son in Hiawassee until Irma had passed. After seeing the footage from Texas when Hurricane Harvey hit, it’s better to be safe than forever sorry. The higher the altitude, the safer I feel,” the soft spoken lady tells Fetch Your News.
Towns County’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Rickey Mathis says northern Georgia is subject to heavy rainfall, strong winds, potential flooding, and fallen debris if Hurricane Irma impacts the state. Director Mathis says he received a call from the Department of Agriculture, inquiring about pet friendly shelters, but he isn’t aware of specific weather warnings for Towns County at this time. Director Mathis was also notified of a request for available personnel to assist with efforts in Florida should the hurricane prove to be as destructive as predicted by forecasters.
“We’re waiting and watching the entire situation closely,” EMA Director Mathis says.
Towns County EMA maintains communication with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), and assures Fetch Your News that necessary updates will be provided on county developments as the storm draws near.
“Though it’s too soon to tell just how Hurricane Irma will impact Georgia, we are urging everyone to take steps to prepare now,” said GEMA/Homeland Security Director Homer Bryson. “We will keep the public updated with new information, but we encourage Georgians to ensure their plans are in place.”
For information on how to prepare, visit http://ready.ga.gov/
Follow Fetch Your News for local updates as we continue to track Hurricane Irma’s path.
Update on Hurricane Irma Cleanup and Relief Efforts
State & National September 19, 2017
ATLANTA (September 18, 2017) | On Thursday, September 14, 2017, Senator Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega) joined Governor Nathan Deal, local elected officials and first responders for a press conference in Habersham County to address Hurricane Irma cleanup and relief efforts.
“First and foremost, I would like to extend my gratitude to the first responders and volunteers who are helping the ongoing recovery efforts in our local communities and throughout the state,” said Sen. Gooch. “It is an honor to join Governor Deal, our local elected officials, first responders and citizens in any and all efforts to get our state back up and running. Our citizens are resilient and I am confident that by working together, we can help those in need and rebuilt each and every community that was impacted. It was very uplifting to witness the outpour of assistance from the hundreds of employees of utility companies from all over the United States.”
On Monday, September 11, 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Georgia leaving around 1 million citizens without power. The impact from Irma was felt from the coastal plains to the north Georgia mountains. The state of Georgia saw unprecedented damage caused by the tropical storm force winds that reached more than 400 miles from the storm’s center. Relief efforts are ongoing and first responders, power companies, state agencies, volunteers and citizens are working around the clock to rebuild and restore power.
Governor Deal and the federal government responded quickly and declared a state of emergency in Georgia so that funds could be appropriated to help with the financial burden of the storm. Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) is coordinating their efforts with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state agencies and local authorities to ensure recovery, rebuilding and cleanup is completed in the most efficient and cost effective manner.
Additional information can be found on the GEMA and FEMA websites:
September: National Preparedness Month
News, Press Release September 3, 2017
Towns County, GA – September is National Preparedness Month and Towns County government, along with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and Homeland Security, encourage residents to prepare for unexpected situations in advance.
Towns County, along with a nationwide coalition of thousands of private, public, and nonprofit organizations, will host local events and initiatives designed to motivate people to take the necessary steps to ensure their homes, workplaces and communities are prepared for disasters and emergencies.
“National Preparedness Month is a perfect opportunity for people to evaluate their emergency plan, and if they don’t have one, to make one,” says Rickey Mathis, Director of Towns County Emergency Management Agency.
Residents can learn how to prepare and stay informed in the event of natural or man-made disasters by visiting ready.ga.gov.
By creating a Ready Profile, Georgians can construct a tailor-made plan for their families which will include the specific amount of supplies necessary for household Ready kits.
In addition, the Ready Georgia mobile app provides preparedness information on the go.
