GEMA Distributes Hazard Mitigation Assistance Funds to McDuffie County

ATLANTA -- The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), on behalf of Governor Sonny Perdue, recently reimbursed McDuffie County $8,500 for costs associated with the purchase of a Mass Alert System. The mass notification system will alert residents and businesses by phone, text, and e-mail of emergencies in their area.

“This system will improve the county’s ability to communicate faster, better and more reliable information to residents in affected areas," said GEMA Director, Charley English. "Ultimately this will reduce the potential for miscommunication by distributing accurate and consistent messages."

These funds are part of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program, which funds state agencies and local governments for projects that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from the effects of natural hazards by breaking the repetitive cycle of destruction and reconstruction.

For additional information on the hazard mitigation programs please contact GEMA toll-free at 1-800-TRY-GEMA or visit the GEMA Web site at http://www.gema.ga.gov.