The Spalding County Office of Homeland Security along with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency’s Ready Georgia campaign, is using December 3 -7 to encourage citizens to prepare for possible inclement weather emergencies this winter.
“Winter Weather Preparedness Week is a great time for Spalding County residents and businesses to prepare for potential winter hazards,” said Glenn Polk, Director of the Spalding County Office of Homeland Security / Emergency Management. “Since winter weather can be unpredictable, we are providing this information to help residents plan properly.”
Winter Weather Preparedness Week, from December 3-7, was created to raise awareness of winter weather hazards and reinforce understanding of winter weather terminology. Throughout the week, Spalding County and GEMA/HS will provide information to assist Spalding County Citizens in preparing for winter weather.
Each day of the campaign concentrates on a separate aspect of winter weather preparation. The focus for each day is as follows:
Monday, December 3: Winter Weather in Georgia – Encourage residents to prepare for winter weather by following preparedness tips posted by the County EMA and GEMA/HS
Tuesday, December 4: Winter Weather Terminology — learn about winter weather “alerts” (watches, warnings and advisories) and what they all mean
Wednesday, December 5: Winter Weather Preparation Tips — learn how to best prepare for winter weather events and put together a Ready kit before winter weather strikes
Thursday, December 6: Winter Weather Driving Tips/Safety — learn “best practices” for driving (if necessary) in winter weather conditions and how to pack a mobile “Ready Kit”
Friday, December 7: Winter Weather Outlook for 2018-19 season – learn where and how to stay informed of weather forecasts
In addition to the preparedness tips provided during Winter Weather Preparedness Week, the following information will be helpful in keeping your family prepared:
- Prepare a Ready Kit of emergency supplies for your home. Include at least a three day supply of nonperishable food and water, a flashlight with extra batteries, a NOAA Weather Radio, adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm, as well as additional supplies for the unique needs of your family, such as medication or pet Ready Kits.
- Keep an extra Ready Kit in the trunk of your car. In addition to the essentials listed above, consider adding a portable cell phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction and jumper cables.
- Create an Emergency Communications Plan so family members will know who to contact if separated during a storm. Designate at least one out-of-town contact. Determine a way to let family and friends know you’re ok if the power goes out. Create a customized plan for your family using the Ready Georgia website or mobile app.
Families can visit the Ready Georgia website to learn how to prepare for emergencies, create family communications plans and more. To learn about specific risks in your area, contact us at the Spalding County Office of Homeland Security / Emergency Management at 770-228-2129.
About Ready Georgia
Ready Georgia is a statewide campaign designed to educate and encourage Georgians to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, potential terrorist attacks and other large-scale emergencies. The campaign aims to prepare citizens to maintain self-sufficiency for at least 72 hours following an emergency.