Posted in Severe Weather Preparation on Sep 7th, 2012
Nearly every day there is a story in the news that reminds us of the importance of being ready for emergencies. Tropical storms and hurricanes. Wildfires. Floods. Droughts. Georgia has been affected or threatened by all of these over the course of just the last few weeks. Given that, it would seem we all have [...]
Posted in Severe Weather Preparation on Aug 27th, 2012
As the Gulf Coast braces for Isaac, we in Georgia are sighing in relief as it looks like we will be spared from the worst of the storm even as our hearts go out to our neighboring states directly in its path. But what if Isaac had come our way? Would you have been ready? [...]
Posted in Severe Weather Preparation on Aug 15th, 2012
Mother Nature has put on quite the light show in Georgia in recent weeks, with lightning bolts sparking house fires, felling trees and ultimately knocking out power in parts of the state. Although those storms did not result in any fatalities, the same can’t be said in other states, where lightning has recently claimed several [...]
Posted in Severe Weather Preparation on Apr 2nd, 2012
If you are going to operate restaurants that never close and you want to be successful at it, planning is a big part of your job. When running a 24/7 restaurant, if you don’t plan well, then every day will be an emergency. That’s been our philosophy at Waffle House restaurants since we opened our [...]
Posted in Severe Weather Preparation on Dec 12th, 2011
‘Tis the season for gift giving, and Ready Georgia is getting into the spirit. One of our “Get Ready” readers will receive a $100 kit of emergency supplies courtesy of our sponsor, The Home Depot. To be entered to win, we want you to tell us how you’ll customize the kit when you win it. [...]
Posted in Severe Weather Preparation on Sep 21st, 2011
Since the beginning of the Ready Georgia campaign in 2008, technology has played a key role in helping Georgians prepare, plan and stay informed. Hundreds of thousands of people have visited the Ready Georgia website and social media channels, where they have been able to access customized tools and emergency preparedness information. Today we have [...]
Posted in Severe Weather Preparation on Jul 7th, 2011
It’s been another steamy summer in Georgia, with temperatures hovering in the mid-90s in recent weeks. Although many regard the summer season as the ideal time for family vacations, backyard barbecues and lazy days at the pool, the warmer weather also can bring severe storms, hurricanes, droughts and other heat-related hazards, which pose a threat [...]
Posted in Severe Weather Preparation on Jun 23rd, 2011
Have you heard the news? According to a recent survey, 64 percent of Georgia households are at least somewhat prepared for disaster. They have stocked at least some emergency supplies such as a flashlight, first aid kit and three-day supply of water and nonperishable food. Even better, people who are familiar with Ready Georgia are [...]
Charley English
GEMA and Homeland
Security Director
Charley English was sworn in by Governor Nathan Deal as GEMA/Homeland Security Director in January 2011. He has served in the agency since 1996. Director English oversees all state governmental actions designed to ensure mitigation and preparedness, appropriate response and timely recovery from natural and man-made hazards which may impact the state of Georgia. During his career, Director English was a member of the G8 Summit security planning team and has coordinated the state’s response to nine presidentially declared disasters and numerous states of emergency declared by the Governor.
