Emergency Management (EOC / E-9-1-1)

MORGAN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Office of the County Manager
P.O. BOX 168 MADISON, GA  30650
Office: (706) 342-0725


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 6:00 P.M.

 

On Monday, March 9, 2020, at 12:12 P.M., Morgan County officials were notified via an e-mail correspondence from the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), which provided Governor Kemp’s press release regarding the Hard Labor Creek State Park COVID-19 Isolation Site.  Over the last 24 hours local officials have been in communication with leadership from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH), Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as well as, Senator Burt Jones and Representative Dave Belton regarding the isolation site at Hard Labor Creek State Park.  At no point did local officials have any prior knowledge about the isolation site being setup in Morgan County ahead of phone calls from local residents, social media posts, or the aforementioned email.  As of the time of this release, local officials have been notified by the State of Georgia that a patient is expected to be transported by way of ambulance to the isolation site within the next several hours. No other information has been released at this time.  Additionally, local officials will continue to be in communication with state agencies and other partners regarding any activity in Morgan County, but are not directly involved in operations at the isolation site, which is owned, managed and operated by the State of Georgia. GDPH medical officials, DNR and Georgia State Patrol will be on-site at all times while the isolation site is active with patients.   Questions regarding the Hard Labor Creek Isolation Site should be directed to GDPH, which is acting as the lead agency on this case

Functions

Morgan County Emergency Management Agency coordinates the efforts of the county in preparing for and responding to major emergencies and disasters. In times past, this agency was called Civil Defense because of its emphasis on preparedness for nuclear attack. The current name, Emergency Management, reflects a shift in priorities toward an “all hazards” approach which emphasizes preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation, regardless of the cause.

Authority

Morgan County Emergency Management is the local equivalent of Office of Homeland Security / Georgia Emergency Management Agency (OHS/GEMA) at the state level and Federal Emergency Management (OHS/FEMA) at the federal level. It works closely with these agencies and others before, during and after emergencies / disasters to coordinate the protection of lives and property.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-26-2015

Contact:

Gwen Ruark
Director
Phone: 706-342-2459
Email Gwen Ruark

MORGAN COUNTY EMA Urges Morgan County Residents to Get Ready for Severe Weather

Severe Weather Preparedness Week Observed Feb. 2-6

From tornadoes to lightning to floods, Morgan County is susceptible to a variety of natural disasters. Severe weather is dangerous and can strike with very little warning, which is why it’s important to get ready in advance. Severe Weather Preparedness Week runs from February 2 - 6, and it’s a great time to make sure you and your family are prepared.

Each day during Severe Weather Preparedness Week focuses on a different type of threat faced by Georgians. Morgan County EMA encourages all residents to take a few minutes to learn about how to deal with each emergency.

“In an emergency, first responders may not be able to reach you immediately, basic services may be cut off, or you may be unable to leave home for several days,” said Gwen Ruark, Director Morgan County EMA. “I encourage everyone to take a few minutes each day to think about how you would deal with each potential threat and to assess your level of preparedness.”

The week’s activities begin with Family Preparedness Day on Feb. 2, when Morgan County households are encouraged to program their NOAA Weather Radios. All of the following days focus on a different threat and how to get prepared.

  • Monday, Feb. 2 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day
  • Tuesday, Feb. 3 – Thunderstorm Safety
  • Wednesday, Feb. 4 – Tornado Safety and PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety
  • Thursday, Feb. 5 – Lightning Safety
  • Friday, Feb. 6 – Flood Safety (alternate PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety)

On Wednesday, when tornado safety is emphasized, residents, schools and businesses statewide are encouraged to participate in Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety, a statewide tornado drill.

Another valuable tool for Morgan County residents is the Ready Georgia smartphone app. This free app, available for both iPhone and Android devices, provides mobile access to a variety of emergency preparedness tools. For more information about Severe Weather Preparedness Week and events occurring locally, Email Morgan County EMA or call 706-342-2459.