September is National Preparedness Month, and the Commission made it official for Macon-Bibb County at its meeting on September 6. To help the residents and business prepare for severe weather and other emergencies, the Macon-Bibb Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is undertaking a month-long outreach campaign through online video, social media, and community presentations.

“Disasters can happen anytime or anywhere and the best thing you can do for you and your family is be prepared.” says emergency management director Spencer Hawkins, “Stay informed, get involved, build an emergency kit, and write an emergency plan are the things you can do to stay safe. If you need more information EMA is here to assist and keep you and your loved one safe from disasters.”

With the assistance of MaconBibbTV, a short video has been produced highlighting these important preparedness steps. To watch the video, click here. Please share it across your social media accounts to help educate everyone on disaster preparedness.

Every day this month, the EMA will post safety tips on its Facebook and Twitter pages. Follow their pages and share the statuses each day to help people prepare their homes, children, pets, businesses, and more on what to do when threats like severe weather strike. Keep following both pages throughout the year for information about severe weather and other safety tips.

The EMA is also available to make presentations to your school, community, or civic group about the importance of preparing for severe weather. They can walk the group through writing a family emergency and communication plan, as well as what should be included in a disaster kit. To schedule a presentation, call 478-832-6300 or email EMA@maconbibb.us.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Preparedness Month “serves as a reminder that we all must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit.”