September is National Preparedness Month, and Hall County Emergency Management officials are encouraging residents to get prepared for a disaster before it happens.
“National Preparedness Month is the perfect time for citizens to review their emergency plan or develop one if you have not already done so,” said Casey Ramsey, Interim Director of Hall County Emergency Management.
This September marks one year after Tropical Storm Irma severely impacted Hall County for several days.
“Portions of our county were out of power, and roadways were impassable for multiple days,” Ramsey said. “That event proved that everyone should be individually prepared for disasters of any kind and magnitude.”
Throughout the month of September, Hall County Emergency Management will be encouraging residents to take action to prepare by providing weekly preparedness tips via text for citizens who wish to receive them. To opt-in to these texts, text PREPAREHALL to 888-777.
In addition to preparedness tips, Hall County EMA is hosting a 2-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class on Sept. 15 and 16. The class is free, but citizens must register to attend.
This year’s theme is “Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How,” and each week focuses on a different topic related to the theme.
- Week 1 (Sept. 1-8): Make and Practice Your Plan – Make (or update) your emergency plan, and practice it.
- Week 2 (Sept. 9-15): Learn Life Saving Skills – Learn basic skills to protect yourself, your family, and your home.
- Week 3 (Sept. 16-22): Check Your Insurance Coverage – Check your insurance coverage to make sure you are protected for any disaster.
- Week 4 (Sept. 23-30): Save for an Emergency – Complete an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit, and maintain an emergency savings.
National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready America campaign. For more information about local National Preparedness Month activities or to sign up for the CERT class, contact Hall County Emergency Management at ema@hallcounty.org or 770-531-6838.