Emergency Response Guide in Georgia

ocated in the southeastern region of the United States, Georgia is prone to diverse natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Georgia ranks among the top 10 states for frequency of natural disasters. From 1953 to 2019, Georgia declared 91 major disaster declarations. For instance, the state suffered severe damage during the infamous Hurricane Michael in 2018 and a record-breaking 31 tornadoes on a single day in March 2021.

The economic impact and loss of life due to natural disasters in Georgia are substantial. As per the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), the state experienced losses of over $15 billion from 1980 to 2023 due to climate and weather disasters. This figure includes only those events that caused losses exceeding $1 billion each. Furthermore, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency reported that between 2000 and 2019, 230 lives were lost due to these disasters.

Considering Georgia's vulnerability to natural disasters, it is crucial for the state to emphasize disaster preparedness. Understanding the potential threats and being prepared can significantly reduce the economic toll and, most importantly, save lives.