If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, do not wait any longer! The predominant strain of flu circulating in Georgia and around the country is influenza A (H3N2). This strain can be particularly hard on the very young, people over age 65, or those with existing medical conditions. Every individual over six months of age should get a flu shot.

Flu symptoms and their intensity can vary from person to person, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you think you have the flu, call or visit your doctor.

There are other things you can do to help prevent the spread of flu – tried and true measures your mother taught you.

• Frequent and thorough hand-washing with soap and warm water. Alcohol based gels are the next best thing if you don’t have access to soap and water.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing to help prevent the spread of the flu. Use a tissue or cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or arm.
• Avoid touching your face as flu germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.
• If you are sick, stay home from school or work. Flu sufferers should be free of a fever, without the use of a fever reducer, for at least 24 hours before returning to school or work.

Georgia Department of Public Health

Beginning next week (Monday, February 5), with support from our state emergency management partners (GEMA), Jones County will recognize Severe Weather Preparedness Week with the state of Georgia.  Each day (through Friday, Feb 9) will address a specific severe weather safety/preparedness topic.  As many of you know, the potential of experiencing severe weather, including tornadoes, across the Southeast region ramps up in February — peaking in April.  This time last year, we were recovering from a significant 2-day severe weather outbreak (Jan 21-22) that affected much of south and central Georgia.

Take the time to prepare NOW and remind your family, coworkers, and friends about the importance of having a severe weather safety plan!  Additional information can be found on our local SWPW web page.

NOAA Weather Radio “TEST” exercise — Wednesday, February 7th at 9:00AM.

In conjunction with our state and local emergency management partners, we will do a special (9am – Wednesday) Routine Test (RT) to simulate a tornado warning for area schools (and businesses) so they may conduct their respective/appropriate action plans in the event severe weather warnings are issued.

Be Prepared,

Don Graham, Jones Co. EMA Director