Disaster 103: Southwest District Public Health offers ways to be informed

Tornadoes. Floods. Wildfires.

Those are some of the disasters that have struck South Georgia in the past.

With that in mind, says the head of emergency preparedness for Southwest District Public Health, individuals and communities can educate themselves now on how to ready themselves for similar catastrophes.

"Being informed about potential disasters where you live, and how to respond to them, can make a huge difference when seconds count," said Emergency Preparedness Director Julie Miller, who oversees public health's all-hazards response in Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas and Worth counties.

It is also important to become familiar with emergency plans that have been established by state and local government, Miller said.

She said National Preparedness Month is designed to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action.
"You can make better decisions regarding personal safety and the safety of your family when you are armed with information. Different events will trigger different responses. Knowing what to expect can help you take the best steps to stay out of harm's way," she said. "In addition, if you are able to take care of yourself and your loved ones during a crisis, it means emergency responders can concentrate on helping others who may be in desperate circumstances. It is a win-win situation all around."

Further, said Miller, in today’s society, it is prudent to recognize that natural disasters are not the only threat residents of Southwest Georgia face. “We live in dangerous times. Our country has been the target of terrorists in the past, and we remain at risk of future attacks from both foreign and homegrown terrorists.”

Miller said Southwest District Public Health has information available regarding chemical, biological and radiation threats as well as natural hazards.

Miller said district public health emergency preparedness specialists can provide information about hazards that face Southwest Georgia, as well as resources and expertise for organizations, individuals, families and communities interested in creating emergency response plans, work contingency plans, sheltering-in-place plans and more.

"We are also happy to put you in touch with volunteer organizations to ensure your family, friends and neighbors are as safe as possible if an emergency occurs," she said.

For more information, go online to www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org, www.Ready.gov, www.cdc.gov, www.pandemicflu.gov or www.gema.state.ga.us