Atlanta - Stop smoking, lose weight, exercise more.  They are the routine New Year's resolutions, and undoubtedly they're already being broken.  So why not try a different resolution this year - and keep it.  Prepare yourself, your family and your business for emergencies.

"Georgians should make it their resolution to prepare for emergencies and disasters this year - and stick to it,"  says Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Charley English.

English cited a recent national survey conducted by the Advertising Council in which 91 percent of the respondents agreed that it is important to be prepared for emergencies, but only 55 percent had taken any steps to prepare.  A survey of small businesses showed similar and disappointing results.

Natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the recent snow storms in the West have underscored the importance of preparedness.  Making a resolution to develop a family disaster plan, and setting a clear goal to be prepared should be an easy way to be as ready as possible in the event of an emergency.

A key part of preparedness is the disaster supplies kit which should contain a range of critical supplies for a minimum of three days for each family member, including bottled water, non-perishable foods, sleeping bag or bedding, change of clothes, medicine, flashlights, battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and a manual can opener.

It is also wise to consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in the workplace, vehicle or other places where you spend time.

"We want to underscore the importance of personal preparedness," says English.  "Know the threats to your community and have a plan in place before a disaster or emergency occurs.  Don't wait for someone else to take care of you and your family.  Do it yourself because outside help could be at least three days away."

The mission of GEMA is to provide a comprehensive and aggressive all-hazards approach to  mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and special events. For information on preparedness and response activities, visit GEMA's Web site at www.gema.state.ga.us or www.georgia911.org.  Other valuable sites include www.ready.gov. or www.nws.noaa.gov or www.redcross.org.

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Post Office Box 18055 - Atlanta, Georgia 30316-0055
Phone (404) 635-7000 or toll-free in Georgia 1-800-TRY-GEMA - Fax (404)635-7205
www.gema.state.ga.us
www.georgia911.org