fails and radio communication is disrupted? Do your employees know what to do? This is not to
take a doom-and-gloom attitude; however, these are questions law enforcement leaders should be
asking themselves and their staffs, so there is an idea of how to react in adverse situations.
The state of Georgia offers helpful information for continuity planning on their readiness website
( http://ready.ga.gov/your-business/ ).
It is hoped that these articles have provided food-for-thought and will stimulate thought and action
among law enforcement leaders to help and encourage preparedness among their employees and
within their agency.
Author: Jeff Smith is a 30-year veteran of Georgia law enforcement. He is currently a captain with the
Lawrenceville Police Department, where he has served for 29 of those years. Smith has earned a
Doctor of Science in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University and a Master of
Public Administration from Columbus State University. Smith may be reached at
jsmith@lawrencevillepd.com or (770) 670-5005.
Recommendation for Disaster Kit | From Federal Emergency Management Agency
( https://www.ready.gov/build-a- kit)
Basic Supply Kit
* Water: one gallon of water per person per day for atleast
three days, for drinking and sanitation
* Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable
food
* Battery-powered or hand crank radio /
NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
* Flashlight
* First aid kit
* Extra batteries
* Whistle to signal for help
* Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic
sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
* Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for
personal sanitation
* Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
* Manual can opener for food
* Local maps
* Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Items to Consider
* Prescription medications
* Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers,
anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
* Glasses and contact lens solution
* Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
* Pet food and extra water for your pet
* Cash or traveler's checks
* Important family documents such as copies of insurance
policies, identification and bank account records saved
electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
* Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
* Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate
and sturdy shoes
* Household chlorine bleach & medicine dropper to
disinfect water
* Fire extinguisher
* Matches in a waterproof container
* Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
* Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic
utensils
* Paper and pencil
* Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
www.gachiefs.com • Page 19 • 1st Quarter Newsletter