Dekalb, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Rockdale and Walton residents affected by the severe storms on April 2 can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA. SBA will open a DLOC tomorrow at noon at the Rockdale County EMA.

For info, visit gema.georgia.gov/press-releases…

GEMA/HS Area 4 Field Coordinator Jason Ritter facilitated a severe weather table top exercise today, along with Meteorologist Anna Head and Harris County EMA Director Melissa Price.

Harris County EMA hosted participants from Georgia DNR, county and municipal safety agencies.

Field Coordinator, Sheri Russo, and Homeland Security Coordinator, Kevin Stanfield, participated in an active shooter tabletop exercise in Clayton County last week. This discussion-based drill allowed participants to discuss policies and procedures if such an event should occur.

We celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week this week to honor the 911 heroes under the headset. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!

GEMA/HS Training and Exercise Manager, Melissa Slocumb, presented to about 150 participants from GEMA/HS and other state and local agencies about training in preparation for the College Football Championship and FIFA World Cup at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Yesterday at GEMA/HS headquarters, Traci Boyd, Grants Specialist with the Public Assistance & Recovery Division, presented a reimbursement check of $5,577,598.00 to Katie Thomas, representative of WellStar Health System Inc., for their Category B – COVID Project.

Officials from GEMA/HS, Catoosa County EMA, and Spalding County EMA assisted Troup County and WellStar West Georgia Medical Center today with a full-scale exercise involving a plane crash of 20 patients.

Have you checked out this year’s agenda for the Georgia School Safety and Homeland Security Conference yet? Browse through our incredible lineup and see what this year’s conference has to offer you! Find more at gaschoolsafety.com.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Georgia until 9 p.m. tonight. To prepare potential severe weather, visit gema.georgia.gov/tornadoes.

Exciting Opportunity at GEMA/HS! Join our team as a Human Resources Manager and become a part of our family. Discover more about this incredible opportunity and apply today at gema.georgia.gov/about-us/caree….

GEMA/HS' Community Recovery and Planning Departments are hosting a two-day Recovery Support Function 3 Workshop. It is part of the State Disaster Recovery and Redevelopment Plan, and we are thankful for the participation of several state health and social services agencies.

GEMA/HS and our local partners conducted damage assessments in Crisp County due to the EF 1 tornado that occurred last week. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with everyone who was affected by the severe weather storms.

Parts of Georgia may expect to see severe weather Wednesday night into Thursday afternoon that could produce damaging thunderstorm winds, flooding and a few tornadoes.

Stay tuned to your local media outlets and local National Weather Service for info. To prepare, visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/s….

GEMA/HS Field Coordinator, Jason Ritter, presented Columbus-Muscogee EMA Director, Chance Corbett, with his Professional CEM at their City Council meeting. Mayor of Columbus, Skip Henderson, and Columbus-Muscogee Deputy EMA Director, Quincy Preer, were also in attendance.

Before enjoying the solar eclipse today, remember to have your eclipse glasses on hand. Eclipse glasses are not regular sunglasses, and are recommended for viewing the eclipse. Do not look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope or binoculars while wearing eclipse glasses.

A total solar eclipse occurs every few years, and last one took place in 2021. Since it only comes around every few years, we encourage you and your loved to know how to protect your eyes while watching the total solar eclipse today.

For info, visit science.nasa.gov/eclipses/futur….

Thank you to our partners at GPB for hosting GEMA/HS officials at their facility, and giving us a look inside their day-to-day operations.

GEMA/HS Area 4 Homeland Security Coordinator, Clint Westbrook, along with Dr. Kelli Young and Windy Fortenberry, Director and Assistant Director for GaPSC certification division, joined forces to deliver a presentation at the Georgia Ethics Symposium On March 27th.

The SBA announced yesterday that federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available for small businesses, etc., with economic losses due to the drought that began in Alabama on Dec. 1, 2023. To learn which Georgia counties are included, see the attached.

The 2024 Georgia School Safety and Homeland Security Conference website is now live! Visit gaschoolsafety.com to register, see the agenda, read up on the speakers and more.