Disaster Preparedness & Response
Disaster Preparedness and Response provides resources and assistance for victims of disasters who are in need of rent, utilities and mortgage assistance, and food due to damage caused by severe weather. The program also offers volunteer training in Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Planning.
Financial donations are needed and welcome. You can donate online by clicking the Donate Now button or mail your check to Catholic Charities Atlanta, 680 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308. Please designate Disaster Relief on your check or on your online donation.
Contact Information
Ethel Higgins, MSW, LADC
Phone: (404) 978-2799
E-mail: ehiggins@archatl.com
National Preparedness Month
What is National Preparedness Month (NPM)?
In September 2010, we will focus on National Preparedness Month! This awareness month is sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council. NPM is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities.
Get A Kit
When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days (for drinking and sanitation)
- Food - at least a three day supply of non-perishable food. Be sure and have a can opener for food if needed.
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air, plastic sheeting, and duct tape to keep the shelter in place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Local maps
- Cell phone with charger
Make A Plan
Make sure you have a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.
Family Emergency Plan:
- It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
- Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
- You may have trouble getting through, or the telephone system may be down altogether, but be patient.
Be Informed
Being informed about the different types of emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate ways to respond to them will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take.
In addition, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.
If you are interested in disaster training and preparedness, please contact Ethel Higgins – Director of Disaster Preparedness and Response at 404-978-2799 or 706-548-9421 for further information.
Fall 2009 Georgia Flood Assistance
Catholic Charities Atlanta is working with federal, state, and local relief organizations and community partners to respond to those so tragically affected by this fall’s heavy rains and flooding in our area. Catholic Charities USA has provided an emergency grant to us for relief services, and we are very grateful for other donations received to date.
Donations for flood victims can be made online or mailed to:
Catholic Charities Atlanta, Attn: Flood Relief
680 W. Peachtree St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
Appointments for flood assistance through Catholic Charities may be obtained by calling (404) 885-7448.
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