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Not If, But When: Disaster Preparedness and Recovery General Session
Friday, April 25
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the state of Georgia resulting in a Major Disaster Declaration in 41 counties. This was the most significant hurricane event to hit the mainland United States in decades, impacting not only the lives of the residents of the Peach State but also many of its major industries such as agriculture and forestry with a more than $5 billion detriment to the economy. While state, local, and community officials are still working to recover from this significant event, it is imperative to leverage the lessons learned from all involved in the preparedness and recovery efforts.
This general session will feature a panel of key stakeholders ranging from:
- Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security
- Georgia Forestry Commission
- Georgia Department of Agriculture (invited)
- Georgia Transmission Corporation
- Georgia Power
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (invited)
- County testimonies from Lowndes (invited) and Toombs counties
Though lessons shared by the panel will stem from dealing directly with a hurricane, most of the information may apply to any natural disaster or crisis event when considering preparedness and recovery. Not only that, but all county officials must also consider “when”, not “if”, natural disasters will strike their communities.
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