Macon-Bibb County is proud to recognize National Emergency Management Awareness Month throughout August by highlighting the important work of our Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the professionals dedicated to keeping the community safe.

The national campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the emergency management profession and recognize the people who work every day to help communities, businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, and government agencies prepare for and respond to emergencies. Emergency managers coordinate planning, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts that help reduce the impacts of disasters, strengthen community resilience, and ensure essential services continue when they are needed most.

“National Emergency Management Awareness Month is an opportunity to shed light on what emergency management truly means for Macon-Bibb County,” says EMA Director Spencer Hawkins. “Behind the scenes, our job as public safety professionals are to serve as the connective tissue for our community; continuously analyzing risks, coordinating emergency response, and building strategies to safeguard life and property long before a disaster strikes.”

Throughout the month, Macon-Bibb County EMA will introduce members of its team, showcase the work they do behind the scenes, and share emergency preparedness tips and resources to help residents better prepare for severe weather and other emergencies. You can follow the EMA pages on Facebook and Instagram.

“Emergency management works across every level of government, private industry, and local neighborhood to ensure our entire community is prepared, coordinated, and protected,” says Hawkins. “We are dedicated to keeping Macon-Bibb safe, informed, and ready for whatever comes our way.”

As part of the month’s recognition, Mayor Lester Miller will present a proclamation recognizing National Emergency Management Awareness Month during the Macon-Bibb County Commission Meeting on Tuesday, August 18, at 6:00 p.m.

The month-long campaign will conclude with a NOAA Weather Radio Giveaway on Wednesday, August 26, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Macon Mall (3661 Eisenhower Parkway).

NOAA Weather Radios provide lifesaving alerts for severe weather and other emergencies, even when power, internet, or cell phone service is unavailable. Weather radios will be distributed free of charge while supplies last, with a limit of one per household. Households that received a weather radio during the previous giveaway will not be eligible to receive another one.

People are encouraged to learn more about emergency management and the professionals working year-round to keep their communities safe and resilient.

To learn more about National Emergency Management Awareness Month, visit www.iaem.org/KnowYourEM.