VALDOSTA —
Come June 1, the 2012 hurricane season begins and lasts through Nov. 30. To prepare for what the next six months may hold, locations throughout Georgia are participating in a full-scale hurricane drill this week.
An estimated 800 local, state, federal and volunteer agencies are participating in Georgia’s Hurricane Exercise which started Tuesday and lasts through Thursday.
Called HURREX 2012, the exercise simulates pre-landfall, post-landfall and demobilization activities associated with the onset of a major hurricane along the Georgia coast. The exercise tests organizations’ preparedness, accentuating strengths and revealing weaknesses. The exercise will hopefully prepare the state to handle a major hurricane should Georgia be unfortunate enough to suffer one this year.
While June is traditionally National Hurricane Preparedness Month, it couldn’t hurt for area residents to take a page from the statewide exercise and ready ourselves now.
South Georgians’ preparations should include:
— Disaster kits with water and nonperishable food for at least three days, portable radio and flashlights with plenty of batteries, prescription medication, important documents, and other special needs, such as baby diapers.
— An emergency plan so each family member knows how to find others. Have another emergency contact person who lives out of town.
— Stay informed on evacuation orders and routes. Check with your insurance agent on flood insurance and your homeowner’s policy.
— Businesses should have a disaster plan to locate employees, to continue business if the physical location is severely damaged or destroyed, etc.
For more information on these and other preparations, go to www.ready.ga.gov.
What We Think
Getting a jump on hurricane season
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THUMBS UP: To all South Georgia graduates. Congratulations on your success in completing school and best wishes on your continued success in the future.
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New era at the Boys and Girls Club
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Thank you, EMS
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THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
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Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
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Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
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