Agrosecurity
Local Emergency Planning
Following the 2006 Agrosecurity Trainings, Gordon County initiated a local emergency planning committee to address all types of emergency preparedness, including agriculture. The Gordon County LEPC promotes public health and safety by preparing citizens, industries and local emergency response agencies for all-hazardous emergency situations. It develops a comprehensive community program that includes an all-hazardous emergency response plan, training exercises on the plan, and public education and awareness programs. Gordon County Cooperative Extension staff served on the LEPC Executive Board representing agriculture, and offered educational information and trainings on agrosecurity related issues. Gordon County Cooperative Extension helped the Gordon County LEPC during 2006 to become fully recognized as an LEPC by the State of Georgia effective January 2007. In 2007, Gordon County Cooperative Extension and the Gordon County Health Department presented educational information and updates on avian influenza and pandemic flu. Extension also helped prepare the LEPC ordinance plan for Calhoun and the county, helped secure grants, developed an LEPC awareness exhibit and provided information for a website.
Source: Steve Moraitakis, Gordon County Extension Coordinator (2007)