No one ever thinks it will happen to them, but if a disaster strikes, time will not be on your side. Continue reading to find out things you can do that may help save your life.

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) explains that it is the state agency responsible for coordinating all resources before, during and after a disaster.

Ready Georgia

“Ready Georgia is a great program that we have here in the state,” a spokesperson says. “It focuses on preparing, planning, staying informed and getting involved.”

Be Prepared for an Emergency

The spokesperson says it is important that families take responsibility for themselves. She recommends that families have a plan in place should they need to evacuate their home and that they designate a meeting place. 

Preparing an Emergency Kit

“It is really important that you develop a disaster kit,” she says. This kit should include:

• Flashlights
• Water (GEMA recommends one gallon per person for each day, plus water for pets)
• Batteries
• A manual can opener
• A wrench (to turn off gas or water)

GEMA has the Citizens Emergency Response Team program that brings in professionals to teach citizens exactly how to turn off gas or water safely. GEMA also recommends including some unusual items in your emergency kit:

• A deck of playing cards to pass the time
• Coloring books and crayons for the kids
• A whistle, which can help emergency responders hear you better should you need to be rescued

How to stay informed during an emergency

Stay informed with a NOAA Weather Radio that is plugged in and has backup batteries. This can save your life because it can alert you about weather events (such as a tornado warning) in the middle of the night.

So remember: be prepared, have a plan and stay informed. For more information on emergency preparedness, visit Ready Georgia's website.

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