(ATLANTA) - The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) along with other state agencies are supporting local officials in south Georgia as they prepare for the impact of Tropical Storm Fay. GEMA continues to closely monitor Fay in conjunction with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and is coordinating with local officials as they make decisions for their communities on response activities.

The greatest impact to Georgia could be high winds, heavy rains and power outages in some places beginning as early as Wednesday evening or Thursday morning. Residents of low-lying areas should stay alert for possible flooding. A risk of severe weather, including isolated tornadoes spawned by Tropical Storm Fay, also exists in south Georgia. Area residents should stay tuned to local radio or television and NOAA weather radio for current weather information.

Preparation and response activities include:

GEMA encourages citizens to make storm preparations now. Individuals, families, and businesses should:

• Prepare a disaster supply kit with food, water, a battery-operated radio and medicine to last at least 72 hours. Don't forget to include pets in your preparations
• Execute or create a family evacuation plan that details how and where you will evacuate and where you will meet if you are separated
• Listen to local authorities for advice and protective actions 

The mission of GEMA is to provide a comprehensive and aggressive all-hazards approach to homeland security initiatives, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and special events. For information on preparedness and response activities, visit GEMA's Web site at www.gema.ga.gov, www.georgia911.org and www.ready.ga.gov.

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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

Updated audio reports are available for the news media, toll-free, at 1-888-216-0760 

www.gema.ga.gov
http://www.ready.ga.gov/
www.georgia911.org