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ATLANTA - Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security on behalf of Governor Nathan Deal, recently awarded a $87,526 federal grant project to Pike County for the purchase and installation of five outdoor severe weather warning sirens.
“Sirens are an effective means to communicate warnings to the public when they are outside. When used in combination with a NOAA weather radio, registering landline and cell phone numbers with Pike County’s Code Red system and downloading the Ready Georgia app for alerts and warnings, residents can stay abreast of hazardous conditions related to severe weather and take the appropriate life-saving actions,” said GEMA/HS Director Jim Butterworth. The amount awarded includes a federal share of $65,645. The remainder will come from a state share of $8,752 and a local share of $13,129.
This award is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funds to state agencies and local governments. HMPG projects 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. These funds were made possible as a result of the county’s participation and adoption of the Pike County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
As part of the Office of the Governor, GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal governments, in partnership with the private sector and faith-based community, to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. In addition, GEMA/HS employees are on 24-hour call statewide to assist local authorities when disaster strikes. Go to www.ready.ga.gov or download the free Ready Georgia app to get information on preparing for a disaster and developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.