Registration helpful for special-needs residents

Editor:

Two years ago, the Columbia County Emergency Management office initiated a new program to identify those residents who would have special needs during an emergency or disaster. This includes anyone who lives in a private residence and uses medical support equipment that requires electricity or has a condition that would require special assistance in the event of a need to evacuate the area.

Once the residents with special needs are identified, they are contacted by EMA officials to provide further information regarding their specific situation, such as the type of medical equipment they use, whether or not they have battery packs, and how long batteries will last, etc.

The information is kept confidential and is only used by the EMA office, Georgia Power Co. and the 911 Center to assure that plans are in place to address the needs of those residents during emergencies and disasters.

We currently have 156 Columbia County citizens - from infants to senior citizens - entered in the database, 82 of whom use medical equipment that requires electricity. The database is constantly updated to assure current information is in the system.

Due to our constantly changing community, we want to make sure that everyone with special needs is registered in the program.

If you or anyone in your household uses medical support equipment that requires electricity or would require special assistance in the event of a need to evacuate the area, please contact the EMA office at 868-3303 or log on to the Columbia County Web site and submit the form online at www.co.columbia.ga.us.

Pam Tucker, Division Director

Columbia County

Emergency Services

Evans