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1. What if the County has to be evacuated? What will the County do for me?

In the unlikely event a County evacuation order is issued, communication to the public is of the utmost importance. An evacuation order would specify the perimeters of the area to be evacuated as well as directing residents to available shelters. Residents of areas not in the defined area might be directed to stay where they are (shelter-in-place). The Office of Emergency Management foresees that implementing plans to shelter-in-place would ensure the safety of citizens.

Although dealing with any disaster in the County will be paramount, the continuity of operations of the County Government must be maintained. Our emergency support functions, which include all County agencies, have established contingency plans to maintain operations to the entire County, even those who may not be affected by disaster.

2. Does Augusta Richmond County have shelters if we have to evacuate or relocate?

Yes. Augusta has numerous facilities that have been identified and equipped to serve as shelters. These locations are not published in advance as many factors will determine which shelter(s) would be opened. Some of these factors include the size and severity of the disaster, the location of the disaster area, and the numbers of people requiring shelter.

All pre-designated shelters have auxiliary power provided by generators and are ADA accessible. When the determination is made as to which shelter(s) to open, the community will be informed via traditional media, the County’s website, if necessary the Emergency Notification System.

3. Are evacuation routes identified with signs?

No. Since it is impossible to determine which route would be a safe route prior to an incident, permanent signs are not in place, the county will place hard signage and portable signage in the event they are required. Information as to safe routes to use would be given along with an evacuation order. Our plans stress situational flexibility.

4. I use a wheelchair and live alone. What should I do to be prepared in case of emergency?

You should be prepared to shelter in place for three days using the above supplies as a guide. Visit the websites mentioned previously for additional information regarding supplies.

In addition, you should make sure you have an emergency response plan that you have prepared in advance with a friend, neighbor, or family member who can provide assistance to you, in the event of an emergency where you are unable to manage alone.

5. What is mitigation?

Mitigation is defined as any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to human life and property from a hazard event. Mitigation, also known as prevention (when done before a disaster), encourages long-term reduction of hazard vulnerability.

The goal of hazard mitigation is to decrease the need for response as opposed to simply increasing the response capability.

6. What should I do to be prepared in case of an emergency?

Everyone should prepare an emergency response plan for themselves for both home and office. This plan should include who you will contact out of the area should an emergency occur, family emergency numbers, school contacts, an emergency meeting place for the family, and local contacts. Other pertinent information specific to you might include medical information, such as chronic conditions, medications that you use regularly and physician / pharmacy phone numbers.

Make sure you discuss your plans with your loved ones and co-workers and give them copies of your plan. Individuals should prepare an Emergency Response Plan for both the home and office.

Information is available on the Augusta-Richmond County website to assist you in formulating your plan. To further assist you, links are also available to the Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross. In an emergency, the County’s website and local TV / radio stations will provide emergency information.

You also want to be prepared to shelter in place for three days (for example, a big snow storm). To shelter comfortably, you will want to have the basics:

One gallon of water per person per day

Food and manual can opener

A week’s supply of prescription medication

Battery powered radio, with extra batteries, extra batteries for hearing aids or other assistive devices

Flashlight with extra batteries

A list of contacts with family members, friends, doctors, and first aid supplies

Any items you normally use that you would need for three days should an emergency occur should also be included. If you have a pet, you will need three days supply of food and water for each pet. Should you have to evacuate, these supplies should go with you. More extensive lists and information can be found on websites dealing with preparedness, such as Ready.gov.

It is also a very good idea to have a go bag ready in case you have to evacuate either your home or work place. This small bag could include those personal items you would need if you had to leave without any notice as well as copies of financial records, pet’s veterinarian records (pets allowed only in pet designed shelters), extra keys for house and car, cash, spare glasses or other special needs items, such as medications, batteries for assistive devices, and copies of family documents.

For sheltering longer than three days, or if you have to evacuate, you may also want to include blankets and bedding, garbage bags, extra sets of clothes, pet carrier, litter, bags, water for pets, and personal hygiene items with the go-bag items.