Macon marks preparedness month as hurricane season intensifies

Tropical Storm Erika came along right on cue to bring thoughts of disaster readiness on the eve of National Preparedness Month.

Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency Director Spencer Hawkins was tracking the storm last week.

“We’re watching and waiting,” Hawkins said. “We are watching this very closely.”

Although the storm fell apart after assaulting the Caribbean, it was poised to track up through Macon and Middle Georgia.

If it had held together, Macon could have seen heavy rain, flooding and gusty winds capable of bringing down trees and power lines.

The tropical system developed just before the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina -- a catastrophe that also serves as a reminder of the importance of always being ready.

Each week in September, Macon-Bibb EMA will host safety lectures in the commission chambers of the Government Center at 700 Poplar St.

“The goal of these presentations is for families to write a plan, make a kit and stay informed,” Hawkins said. “They’ll get a good head start to writing their own plan.”

The safety series begins Wednesday at noon when flooding preparedness dominates the discussion.

The gathering on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. will cover wildfires.

Hurricanes will be the topic during a session Friday, Sept. 18, at noon.

Monday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m., participants will be briefed on how to get through a power outage.

At noon on Tuesday, Sept. 29, EMA representatives will cover dangers during tornadoes.

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina exposed preparedness gaps around New Orleans when first responders could not reach storm victims.

“The first 72 are on you,” is a slogan to reiterate the importance of having a three-day supply of food, water, prescription drugs and any other essential element for survival.

Hawkins suggests people visit the ready.gov website for instructions on how to prepare a disaster kit of necessary supplies.

It is important to have plans in place not only for the home, but at work, school, church and other buildings where people regularly congregate.

EMA Director Don Druitt stresses the need to share disaster plans with other family members, friends and neighbors -- particularly the elderly who may need assistance.

“Make sure you talk to them about what you’re doing,” Druitt said.

Having a pre-arranged meeting place can avoid confusion in the height of a disaster.

In addition to the preparedness meetings, the Macon-Bibb EMA will also be using social media to highlight local hazards on Facebook and Twitter.

To contact writer Liz Fabian, call 744-4303 and follow her on Twitter @liz_lines.

This story was originally published August 30, 2015 at 9:16 PM with the headline "Macon marks preparedness month as hurricane season intensifies."