EMA / Homeland Security

Peach County EMA/Department of Homeland Security is responsible for the management of all emergency preparedness program areas within the county. The primary role of the agency is to develop and implement comprehensive disaster planning, mitigation and response activities within Peach County under the provisions of state and federal laws.

Peach County is part of a giant federal puzzle designed to protect the entire nation. Counties within each state join their states in responding nationally when required.

The department develops and maintains emergency plans for all types of natural and man-made hazards, and provides the analysis and recommendations necessary to make decisions that will effectively save lives and protect property in such emergencies.

When disasters happen, entire neighborhoods, communities, counties or regions may be impacted. Some are affected more than others, but everyone is affected to some degree. When disaster strikes you may not have time to respond; a hazardous material/transportation incident or nuclear attack could mean an instant evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An tornado, flood or ice storm, or any other disaster, could cut off basic services - gas, water, electricity and telephone - for days.

After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives? Those jurisdictions that are ready for disasters and emergencies have fewer lives lost and less permanent impact when disaster hits. One of the keys is having an agency like the Peach County EMA to provide prompt, accurate information to people regarding the threat as well as protective actions to be taken.

These actions may include evacuating people away from threatened areas. This procedure requires advanced planning to effectively be accomplished. Some situations require immediate response and leave no time for a "plan as you go" approach. People's lives may be at stake.

The EMA works constantly to develop, review and practice these plans and training is often provided to other emergency agencies within the county. These activities form a framework and foundation for emergency response. The EMA office also serves as an emergency resource information center, coordinating data received from local communities and incorporating that information into the emergency response plans.

CERT Program

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

With classroom training and exercises, CERT members are able to assist others in their neighborhoods or workplaces following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their communities.