If you were hiking in the woods or the forest whereas, you were miles from civilization, it would be good to have certain items to render you or others aid, right? Also, if you gave the oath to preserve, protect and defend the United States, its Constitution, as well as, its People, you would perhaps need to act accordingly upon a moments notice, right?
Finally, if you were placed in the position to respond quickly to the likelihood of someone whose life was in danger, it would be very important to have all items needed to assist them, right?
As a Boy Scout in my youth, I was taught to 'Be Prepared'. As a United States Marine , I was taught to 'Be Prepared'. As a 1st Responder, then a Law Enforcement Official, I was taught to 'Be Prepared'.
I know, who cares, right? LOL
I can hear someone say right about now, “OK, ah, where are you going with these statements, C. Henry?”
My Reply: Disaster Relief Planning.
It is not likely in anyone's control to avoid a disaster. But, perhaps it could be in everyone's control to at least plan for a Disaster to some degree.
That being said, I had the unique opportunity to meet a 1st Responder whose job centers around helping the Citizens in the City of Atlanta and the County of Fulton, Georgia during critical times like major disasters.
Her name is Shawna Smith and she works for a unique, yet little known Agency that assist the Atlanta Fire Department, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (“GEMA”) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”).
Back in December of 2012, Ms. Smith gave a very informative presentation at the Adamsville – Collier Heights Library located in the City of Atlanta, Georgia and following the event I sat down to write her some interview questions which she complied to answer as seen below:
C. Henry Adams: Could you tell us your name, position, who you work for and what it is that you do?
Shawna Smith: My Name is Shawna Smith. I am an Emergency Management Specialist for Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA). Emergency Management is an interdisciplinary field that deals with the strategic organizational management processes used to protect critical assets of an organization from hazard risks that can cause events like disasters or catastrophes and to ensure the resiliency of the organization. Our department is small, so we all wear multiple hats. As an AFCEMA Emergency Management Specialist, my co-workers and I are responsible for coordinating activities in the areas of emergency preparedness, planning, mitigation, response, as well as, recovery for Fulton County, unincorporated Fulton County ; each incorporated city within Fulton County. We must also be available for emergency and disaster response while providing resource coordination when necessary.
C. Henry Adams: How many years of experience do you have and where have you worked as a 1st Responder?
Shawna Smith: I started in the Fire Service in 1998. I started as a Volunteer Firefighter and First Responder in California. I have worked for large and small departments ,as well as, did a season with the U.S. Forest Service.
C. Henry Adams: What could be considered a Disaster in your opinion?
Shawna Smith: A disaster can be anything from a motor vehicle collision to a tornado with widespread damage. It is important to note that what is a disaster to one, might not be a disaster to others. Generally in Emergency Management we deal with large scale emergencies when the local resources are exhausted.
C. Henry Adams: Would you say by preparing for a Disaster, the life you save might be your own, as well as, your family?
Shawna Smith: Certainly! I feel that personal preparedness is one of the most important things you can do as a family. We don’t know what, where and when emergencies or disasters will happen, but if we are able to take care of ourselves and our family it will lessen the impact.
We like to promote 3 important parts of preparedness:
1) Make a Plan – have a plan for you and your family. Emergency contact information, out of state contacts, where you will meet if separated or have to evacuate.
2) Have a Kit – have an emergency kit for 3-5 days. Keep food and water and any other special needs you may have.
3) Stay Informed – being informed is very important. Having a NOAA weather radio can alert you to storms in the area giving you a chance to protect your family.
Shawna Smith took her time to share a plethora of information to those individuals reviewing her presentation, to which we are grateful.
She also provided the following links for Citizens living in Atlanta and Fulton County to review below:
1) CodeRed https://cne.coderedweb.com/
2) AFCEMA http://www.afcema.com
3) AFCEMA on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AFCEMA
4) AFCEMA on Twitter https://twitter.com/AFCEMA
I would like to thank Shawna Smith for the outstanding works she and colleagues do and their commitment to help the Citizens of Atlanta-Fulton County , Georgia.
Note: Shawna Smith answered the interview in writing.
Written By,
C. Henry Adams
President / CEO
Broadcasting Interest Enterprise, Inc.
Sphere: Related Content
