If you are told to evacuate by local authorities, you will be directed to a shelter
Southwest Health District officials are asking residents to prepare an "emergency go kit" so they will have essentials ready should authorities begin evacuations from low-lying areas at risk of flooding.
"An emergency go kit should contain your families' important papers, any medications needed by family members, personal hygiene items, changes of clothing, diapers and emergency contact information," said Southwest Health District Emergency Preparedness Director Julie Miller.
"If you are told to evacuate by local authorities, you will be directed to a shelter. Please let shelter officials know if you have special medical needs," she said.
Families with pets should have emergency kits with food, bowls, medications, pet carriers and other necessary items prepared and should make arrangements to take their pets to veterinarians or friends for boarding until after the emergency is over, Miller said. "You should not count on emergency shelters to take pets," she said. "Most of them do not."
Miller also said that rescue and recovery workers should make sure that their tetanus shots are up-to-date. "County health departments have tetanus vaccine on hand," she said.
More information on emergency preparedness is available online at www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org or by contacting your local health department or emergency management agency.
Public Health officials will continue monitoring events. Please listen to local media and emergency workers to remain informed on health and safety recommendations, Miller said.
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