Press Release courtesy of the Southwest Georgia Public Health District
(Image courtesy of the Georgia Department of Public Health)
ALBANY-Southwest Georgia residents face familiar risks like tornadoes, floods and severe heat, says Southwest Health District Emergency Preparedness Director Hank Wilson.
“But there are other potential emergencies they should also have on their radar, such as pandemic flu, and man-made disasters, which could be accidental, such as a railcar spill of a hazardous chemical, or deliberate, such as a terrorist attack,” Wilson said. “National Preparedness Month is the time to think and plan about what to do in case of an event…not during the event itself.”
Preparing for worst-case scenarios allows individuals, families, schools, businesses and organizations to protect themselves and to able to return to normal more quickly.
“The theme for this year’s National Preparedness Month is `Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How,'” he said. Wilson listed a series of simple steps aimed at improving disaster readiness:
* Be informed. Learn what protective measures to take before, during and after an emergency. Rely on credible sources.
* Make a plan. Prepare a plan and share it with your family. Be sure to include the elderly and your pets.
* Build a kit. Build a kit for disaster designed for you and your family’s specific needs.
* Get involved. Find opportunities to support community preparedness, such as volunteering with the Regional Medical Reserve Corps (medical background is not required).
More information on making an emergency plan, building a kit and other preparedness activities can be found at http://www.southwestpublichealth.org under “Preparedness” or by going to http://www.ready.gov. Plus, Southwest Health District is posting readiness tips on its Facebook and Twitter pages throughout September.
“Planning ahead and being prepared doesn’t waste time or resources,” Wilson said. “Being proactive can prevent damage and save lives.”
Follow the Southwest Georgia Network on Twitter @swganetwork.
