ATLANTA – September is National Preparedness Month, and Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is working with county emergency management agencies to ensure citizens across the state are preparing themselves and their families for natural and man-made disasters. 

Throughout the month, GEMA/HS is encouraging all Georgia residents to prepare before disasters strike. This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is “Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.”

“As we observe National Preparedness Month, it is the perfect opportunity for the citizens of Georgia to create a personal and family plan for potential disasters,” said GEMA/HS Director Homer Bryson. 

Taking steps each week toward developing a plan will increase household and community responsiveness when severe weather and other emergencies occur. The themes each week during National Preparedness month are:

• Week 1: Sept.1-8, make and practice Your Plan
• Week 2: Sept. 9-15, learn life saving skills
• Week 3: Sept. 16-22, check your insurance coverage
• Week 4: Sept.23-30, save for an emergency

On Sept. 15, National Day of Action, residents are encouraged to participate in a preparedness event in their school, business or place of worship. 

For tips and tools to get your family and community ready for a disaster, visit Ready.ga.gov. Additional preparedness information is also available from your local EMA director.

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 Ready.ga.gov for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.