Paulding County
Department of Public Safety
Emergency Management Division

535 Seaboard Avenue
Hiram, Georgia 30141

Office: 770-222-1160
 Fax: 770-222-7131

Administrative Office Hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Closed on county-recognized holidays

Mission Statement

The mission of the Emergency Management Division is to represent the County in all four phases of emergency management.

What We Do

• Preparedness: One of the first jobs of the Emergency Management Agency is to identify what hazards, both man-made and natural, could affect our county.  Planning is then started in order to prepare the components of local governments for their respective response in the event a disaster does occur.  Hazard identification is done through historical analysis, as well as attempting to identify new hazards as they become known.  In addition to on going hazard analysis, emergency management personnel periodically conduct threat assessments.
• Mitigation: After hazards are identified, an effort is made to prevent these events from happening or to possibly lessen their impact when and if they do occur.  Mitigation efforts are determined based on the frequency and level of threat that a hazard presents, the degree to which the hazard can be predicted and mitigated; and the available methods and funding that can be reasonably utilized to obtain measurable results.  The Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan that emergency management personnel assemble is a key document for use in their efforts.
• Response: The Emergency Management Agency produces a plan (Local Emergency Operations Plan) that the county utilizes in its response to disasters and certain large-scale emergencies.  Updates and annexes to the plan are essential throughout the plan's useful life cycle.
• Recovery: One of the most important roles that Emergency Management plays in a disaster is returning the community back to its pre-disaster state.  State (GEMA) and Federal (FEMA) resources and financial assistance programs are often vital to disaster recovery.  Emergency management personnel work to help ensure these resources are available to citizens once a federal or state disaster is declared. 

What You Can Do

• Establish a disaster plan that includes a family communications plan.  (See "Your Family Disaster Plan" under the below 'Links'.)
• Pre-determine potential temporary relocation places for your family in case an emergency or disaster necessitates that you evacuate from your home.  For some people, staying with a friend or family member- or even in a hotel if space is available- is preferable to temporary housing in a public shelter.
• Assemble at least one disaster supply kit.  (See "Your Disaster Supplies Kit" under the below 'Links'.)
• Purchase a weather radio in order to receive alerts regarding severe weather in you area- both at work and home.  (See "Purchasing a Weather Radio" under the below 'Links'.)
• Understand local hazards that may affect you and your family (See below-'Hazards') and plan your response to them.

Hazards

Drought-Droughts occur when an area experiences low or no rainfall for a prolonged period of time. Our county does not rely on agricultural production as a basis for its local economy so drought does not have the same impact in our area as in other areas of the country. However, regional droughts can affect us economically and local water shortages can be problematic. During droughts, water conservation is critical. Decreasing the consumption of water through restricting activities like watering lawns and washing cars help conserve water. Other measures, like low-flow showers, reduced capacity toilet flush tanks and wastewater re-use systems are all measures that save water. To learn more about drought click here.

Earthquakes-An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements of the earth beneath the surface. While the county has little significant seismic activity, earthquakes can occasionally be felt. To learn more about earthquakes click here.

Hazardous Materials-Hazardous material accidents and releases can occur along roadways (from trucks carrying hazardous materials), railways (from trains carrying hazardous materials) or from industrial plants that use, manufacture or store hazardous materials. Some hazardous materials can be very harmful- even deadly- if humans are exposed to them, while others may pose little risk unless there is prolonged direct exposure and/or exposure to large quantities. Hazardous materials are around you every day- we routinely use them to clean our houses, treat our drinking water, paint our homes, fuel our cars and even cook our foods. They are used as the ingredients in consumer goods, industrial products and even some medicine.

Most hazardous materials spills and releases are attributed to incidents such as small gasoline/diesel spills and gas (natural or liquid propane) leaks. Typically, spills are stopped, cleaned up/evaporate and corrected with minimal exposure to humans and the environment. Occasionally, a larger spill or another hazardous material may require specialized equipment and specially trained personnel to correct the problem. Should such an incident occur traffic is usually re-routed and people may be asked to evacuate a certain area close to the spill/release or shelter in place until it can be contained and corrected. For more information on hazardous materials click here.

Heat-Extreme heat can overtax a person’s ability to cool themselves through perspiration and evaporation. Overexposure to heat can occur from working or exercising too long or too much in hot conditions. The elderly and those in poor health and/or physical condition are at higher risk. Sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are all risks of extreme heat. For more information on heat click here.

Radiation-Radiation is energy that can travel through the air and even through some material. Earth is continually bombarded with radiation from the sun. It is what allows life to exist on Earth. Too much radiation (especially certain types of radiation) can be hazardous. If you have ever had sunburn you have been affected by too much radiation. You also get exposed to radiation if you watch television, use a microwave oven or have an x-ray. Much of the radiation we are exposed to everyday is normal and is not harmful. Exposure to radiation from an accident at a nuclear power plant is one possible source of a radiological emergency. Safety precautions at modern nuclear power plants make that possibility extremely remote; but since there are no nuclear power plants anywhere near this county, it is highly unlikely that we will experience a radiological emergency from an accident at a nuclear power plant.  For more information on nuclear power plant emergencies click here.

Ever since the development of the atomic bomb we have lived with the constant possibility that we will be exposed to radiation form a nuclear attack. During the cold war people were very concerned about a nuclear attack. Since 9/11 and the attention given to terrorism, the specter of a nuclear attack has once again gained attention. For more information on radiation click here.

Severe Weather

Floods- Certain geographical characteristics make some areas more flood-prone than other areas. Typically, low-lying areas near lakes or streams- or downstream from a dam- are more at risk of flooding. Even some higher, more mountainous areas may be at risk from flood- particularly flash floods. To find you live in a flood area start by checking FEMA’s flood map database. (This is usually done when you buy a house and take out a mortgage for the purchase of the house. If you buy a house or live in a flood-prone area you may have to buy flood insurance.) The best way to avoid being the victim of a flood is not to build in flood-prone areas- and to not remain in such areas during a flood watch.

• Floods and flash floods happen in all 50 states.
• Everyone lives in a flood zone.
• Homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage.
• If you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or high-risk area, your mortgage lender requires you to have flood insurance.
• Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.
• Flash Floods often bring walls of water 10 to 20 feet high.
• A car can easily be carried away by just two feet of floodwater.
• Hurricanes, winter storms and snowmelt are common (but often overlooked) causes of flooding.
• New land development can increase flood risk, especially if the construction changes the natural runoff paths.
• Federal disaster assistance is usually a loan that must be paid back with interest.
• You are eligible to purchase flood insurance as long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. (Paulding County does).
• Every year, flooding causes more than $2 billion of property damage in the U.S.
• In a high-risk area, your home has a 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, compared to a 9% chance of fire.
• Roughly 25% of all claims paid by the NFIP are for policies in low- to moderate-risk communities.

To find out more about floods and your risks click here.

To find out how to avoid flood damage click here.

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms- While this area of Georgia is not near the coast, hurricanes and tropical storms bring severe weather- thunderstorms, high winds, and even tornadoes and flooding in some instances. To learn more about hurricanes click here.

Snowstorms- The climate zone in the Southeastern portion of the United States- especially most of Georgia- is such that occasional snowstorms occur. This usually results in such conditions as freezing temperatures combined with a relatively thin layer of ice and/or snow on the ground and roadways. This limits mobility (driving is hazardous) and may also lead to power outages- for up to several days or longer in some areas. Having a disaster supplies kit will help- as will staying off of the roadways. In this area, most snowstorms and their effects last only one or two days, but can last several days. For winter weather preparedness tips click here.

Tornadoes- Violent thunderstorms may spawn tornadoes- a funnel-shaped column of high wind that can cause a great deal of damage. Pay attention to weather alerts- particularly tornado watches and warnings. If you at home during a tornado warning or when a tornado strikes get to a safe room- one in the lowest level of your house (preferably in a basement or, if you do not have a basement, an interior room with no windows- such as a bathroom or large closet) and try to shield yourself under a heavy piece of furniture. If you are at work go to the area designated in your employer’s emergency plans and try to avoid large rooms- especially ones with a lot of windows- such as lobbies or cafeterias. If you are in your car, exit the car if you can and take shelter in a building. If you cannot get inside a building, lie in ditch or other low area and use your arms and hands to cover and protect your head. To learn more about tornadoes click here.

Thunderstorms- In addition to rain, thunderstorms often bring high winds and lightning. Sometimes thunderstorms also cause hail and tornadoes. Seek shelter indoors and monitor weather alerts. To learn more about thunderstorms click here.

Terrorism

Terrorism is defined as "the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives." There are a number of potential threats from terrorists, including bomb attacks, biological attacks, chemical attacks and even possibly nuclear attacks. To learn more about terrorism click here.

Wild Fires

If you live near a wilderness area wild fires could be hazard that you face. Large woodland fires (which may start as a result of lightning strikes, negligence or arson) can threaten homes that are built within or adjacent to wilderness areas. To learn more about wild fires click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when I hear the weather sirens?

The City of Dallas Siren Warning System consists of 8 sirens, which are strategically located around Dallas.  There are sirens at the following locations:  Hershel Jones Middle School, Chattahoochee Technical College, Silver Comet Trailhead/Seaboard Drive, Commerce Drive/Butler Industrial Drive, Holder Road/East Memorial Drive, Coleman Camp Memorial Park, Durham Street, Vista Lake Drive/Ga. Hwy 6.  The Warning System is tested the first Wednesday of each month at 12:00 noon for one full minute.  Sirens are activated based on notices issued by the National Weather Service for Paulding County due to thunderstorm warnings, tornado watches, or tornado warnings; or as severe weather is observed by City personnel.

Where can I get weather information about forecasts, watches and warnings?

Be sure to purchase a weather radio (Click “Purchasing a Weather Radio” under ‘Links’.) You can also click “Weather Forecasts and Alerts” under ‘Links’ for warnings, radar images and forecasts for your area.

Where are the shelters in Paulding County?

Shelters, most of which are schools, are spread out in various locations throughout the county. Buildings are designated as shelters by the American Red Cross and are designated based on their temporary housing capacity (such as having a large gymnasium), sanitary facilities (large number of bathrooms and showers) and food-serving capacity (cafeteria).

When do we go to the shelters?

One or more shelters may be opened after a significant disaster has left a large number of people homeless. Due to the area and typical hazards in Paulding it is rare that any shelters would be opened prior to any disaster. Shelters are not opened for people to go to during severe weather, as the shelters are not necessarily any no more ‘weather-proof’ than any other structure in the county. Similarly, shelters- most of which are schools- are not bombproof or radiation-proof, so they do not serve as bomb shelters or fallout shelters. Paulding County does not have any public bomb and/or fallout shelters.

I would like to see if my business could serve as a shelter in times of disaster. Who do I contact?

The American Red Cross designates and approves all shelters in Paulding County. Local business can contact the American Red Cross by visiting www.redcrossatlanta.org.  The American Red Cross designates and approves all shelters in Paulding County.

Where and how can I receive CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team) training?

Paulding County does not currently offer classroom CERT training. Classroom CERT training may be available in some of our neighboring counties. Go here to view information on CERT and CERT training currently available in Georgia.

You may also receive training and information via distance learning through FEMA by clicking here. Enroll in IS 317- Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams to learn more about CERT.

Does the County offer any kind of terrorism awareness training?

Paulding County does not currently offer any type of terrorism awareness training. Check out “Terrorism” under the above ‘Hazards’ section, as well as “ready.gov” under the below ‘Links’ section for information on terrorism.

Where do I get help after a disaster?

One important concept to keep in mind is how a ‘disaster’ is defined. In order to be declared a federal disaster, the extent of damage typically has to affect a large number of Georgia’s counties and/or its population- and the damage reach many millions of dollars in value. In 2004, there were fewer than 70 federally declared major disasters in the United States and its protectorates. Of those, Georgia qualified once when over 30 counties received substantial damage from Hurricane Ivan. Federal aid will only be issued if there is a Presidential Declaration for the State of Georgia that includes Paulding County.  A Presidential Declaration is based on the financial ability of the local governments to recover from a large-scale event as well as the extent of any damage.  In some instances State aid will be made available in the form of low interest loans, etc.  The American Red Cross also provides immediate assistance in the form of cleanup kits, food and temporary housing on a situational basis. For more information see “Disaster Help” under ‘Links’.

Local governments will generally respond to disasters with the resources they have on hand. These resources are the same used for normal and emergency operations and are often limited in their availability and the scope of assistance they can provide. In some instances mutual aid can be sought from neighboring jurisdictions. Once the governor of a state declares a disaster at the state level state resources and personnel (such as the National Guard) can be made available. Most counties and cities do not keep food, water, medical supplies, etc. stockpiled in the event of a local disaster; and even if they did have the means to do so they generally lack the resources to distribute them very effectively in a timely manner during or immediately after a disaster. Disaster assistance from the state and/or federal government, if it is available and/or authorized, may take days or even weeks to arrive and be available. This is why the most important thing you can do to help increase your and your family’s survivability in a disaster is to plan and prepare before the disaster occurs. Have a disaster kit, plan on how you would survive if our infrastructure (i.e.: utilities) were impacted and unavailable for use and where you might go (friends, relatives, hotel, group shelter) if you had to leave your home for a brief or extended period. The planning and preparation that you take before a disaster are the steps that help you survive during and after the disaster. If you wait until the disaster arrives before taking any steps your odds of survival will be greatly diminished. Without sufficient planning, at worst, you and your family may not survive the event; and at best, your quality of life will likely be severely impacted. Set aside a day to complete FEMA’s IS-22 Course (“Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness”) and start your disaster planning.

How do I start or participate in a Neighborhood Watch program?

Paulding County residents may contact the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at (770) 443-3010 to inquire about starting a Neighborhood Watch program.

What kinds of employment opportunities are available within emergency management in Paulding County?

To view job postings and obtain an application please contact the Paulding County Human Resources Department at www.paulding.gov or by calling the job-line at (770) 505-1361

Links

Weather Forecasts and Alerts

National Weather Service

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA Weather Radio Information

Purchasing a Weather Radio

Ready.gov

American Red Cross

Institute for Business and Home Safety

Insurance Information Institute

Business Disaster Preparedness Resources

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Disaster Help

Georgia Office of Homeland Security

Georgia Emergency Management Agency

Georgia Department of Natural Resources