SC EMA to Host Praise & Preparedness Workshop

Stephens County Emergency Management, under the leadership of Stephens County EMA Director Danielle Rhodes and in conjunction with Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security, will be hosting a Praise & Preparedness workshop on July 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Reflections Event Center, 201 Black Mountain Road. 

In an informational release issued by Rhodes and Georgia EMA, it is noted that, in recent years, Georgia has been hit by severe storms, extreme heat, a crippling freeze, deadly tornadoes and dangerous wildfires – resulting in the loss of property and even human life. Despite the numerous events, many Georgians are still not prepared for the next disaster, EMA officials say.

In an effort focused on faith based organizations, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, in partnership with the local emergency management agency, are launching the Praise and Preparedness Initiative to help houses of worship and other faith-based organizations work with their members and communities to promote local readiness and prepare before disasters strike, as well as supporting the role of faith-based organizations in recovery efforts, providing shelter and supplies. 

The Praise & Preparedness initiative focuses on three ways faith-based organizations can build upon these traditional roles.

First, through Facility Safety by conducting a facility safety assessment and completing or updating the emergency plan for all the congregational buildings;

Secondly, through Congregant Safety by encouraging members to develop family emergency plans;

And Third, through Community Involvement by Exploring new opportunities for the members to become involved in community emergency disaster relief efforts, feeding and sheltering programs.

Class participants will also learn about appointing a disaster response coordinator or committee to oversee preparedness and response efforts, and to conduct an evacuation drill every year. They will learn about creating an organization continuity plan and developing a communications network with member contact information, and they will encourage organization members to pledge to prepare for disasters by setting up an informational table, sharing information in the organization bulletin or newsletter, or playing videos during organization announcements. The opportunity to host an organization or community event during National Preparedness Month in September will also be addressed.

For more preparedness tools, tips and resources, visit GEMA/HS’ Ready Georgia campaign at gema.georgia.gov/ready-georgia. 

For more information on specific risks in Stephens County, and to find out more about the July Praise & Preparedness workshop, contact the Stephens County Emergency Management office at (706) 898-5395.