The Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA) recently approved a $29,683 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) project for Walker County and a $13,250 HMGP project to purchase and install mass alert warning systems.

“Mass alert warning systems can potentially save lives due to better information reaching people quickly and in a manner they can use. The mass alert is geographically based so when an emergency happens, the message is sent via phone, text or email only to those in the specific impacted area,” said GEMA director Charley English.

The amount awarded to Walker County includes a federal share of $22,262, a state share of $2,968 and a local share of $4,453. The amount awarded includes a federal share of $9,938. The remainder will come from a state share of $1,325 and a local share of $1,987.

GEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Division administers the grant. This is a federally-funded, state-administered program which provides funds to state agencies and local governments for projects that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from the effects of natural hazards by breaking the repetitive cycle of destruction and reconstruction.

For additional information on hazard mitigation programs, visit GEMA’s website at gema.ga.gov. To learn how to prepare for disaster and create a custom kit and plan, visit ready.ga.gov. Follow GEMA at Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.