DJJ and the ‘READY CAMPAIGN’ – As Hurricane Florence Approaches, the Department of Juvenile Justice Observes National Preparedness Month

September is Hurricane Season, the time when Georgia observes ‘National Preparedness Month’ to raise awareness for severe weather emergencies. So it comes as little surprise that Hurricane Florence came bearing down on the Atlantic Coast this week, with Governor Nathan Deal declaring a State of Emergency to stage emergency equipment across the state to prepare for damaging winds, heavy rains, potential flooding and pounding storm surges.

Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is structured by the Department of Homeland Security to reminds us that we all must prepare ourselves and our families, now and throughout the year, by becoming familiar with the lifesaving lessons taught by the ‘Ready Campaign’.

This year’s National Preparedness Month will focus on emergency and disaster planning, with an overreaching theme: ‘Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How’. The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) places special interest in the campaign because this state is no stranger to severe weather emergencies.

In 2017, many Georgians were hard hit by the unusually destructive hurricane season and the high volume of tornados that hit the central and southern regions of the state. But having a plan and knowing the appropriate actions to take during a severe weather emergency or natural disaster can help determine life-or-death decisions.  

In conjunction with National Preparedness, DJJ will cover several life-saving topics to help families plan ahead for unforeseeable futures:

1. Hurricanes – Threats from hurricanes are most active in September and can affect areas more than 100 miles inland. Hurricanes can develop heavy rainfall, coastal and inland flooding,  powerful winds, unpredictable rip currents, deadly tornados, damaging storm surges and landslides.

1. Family Preparedness – How will your family receive emergency alerts and warnings? What is your family shelter plan? Do you know the evacuation routes in your area? Does your family have a communication plan? These are all critical items to consider in your family preparedness plan.  

1. Flood Safety – Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. They can result from heavy rains, snow melts, powerful hurricanes, storm surges and overflows from dams and water systems. Floods can occur without warning and cause power outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings and create landslides.

1. Flood Insurance and Emergency Savings – Did you know that most typical homeowners’ and renters’ insurance does not cover flooding? Home owners and apartment dwellers must purchase separate flood insurance policies to cover potential losses. Residents should also consider investing  in a personal emergency savings account to be used in a crisis or when disaster strikes

1. Tornados – January 21-22, 2017, Georgia faced a significant tornado outbreak, where a record-breaking number of tornados terrorized much of central and southern Georgia. If your community is under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately. Tornados can occur anywhere, anytime with very little warning. ‘Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How’.

Commissioner Avery D. Niles urges DJJ staff to sit down with their families this month to discuss home preparedness plans and self-rescue procedures. “Emergency awareness and agency preparedness are major priorities for this department,” Commissioner Niles said. “Standing ready for all types of disasters makes a stressful situation much easier to handle. It has been proven that you revert back to your training when a disaster strikes,” the Commissioner said.

Members of the community often take initial rescue actions before first responders arrive, so it’s important to be prepared in advance to help yourself, your family and community. Remain vigilant. Natural disasters occur spontaneously but you can plan ahead. 

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice expresses its appreciation to the Department of Homeland Security for sharing content for this lifesaving National Preparedness Month campaign message.

For more information, visit: https://www.ready.gov/september