Rollout of Smyrna Safe Business Initiative Set for 2023
The City of Smyrna Fire Department will be partnering with the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute, the Smyrna Business Association, and the Cobb Chamber to deliver a preparedness program for local businesses. The Smyrna Safe Business program will take participating local business leaders through topics such as hazard identification, contingency planning, and CPR/First Aid.
“25% of businesses won’t open again after a disaster.”1 City of Smyrna Mayor, Derek Norton said “ I’m proud to see our Smyrna team develop a new and unique program that encourages and supports our business community’s safety and preparedness. What sets this program apart from others are the collaborators involved, the business-to-business support, and the recognition that comes with achieving a Smyrna Safe Business designation. I can’t wait to recognize the first group of businesses to complete this program as a Smyrna Safe Business!”
Fire Chief Brian Marcos said “Helping our businesses create an environment where they’re prepared and safe is exactly what the Smyrna Safe Business program aims to accomplish. Our goal is to continue building lasting partnership with our business community and help them stay safe” Director of Economic Development Andrea Worthy said “One of the City’s economic development priorities is to encourage the success of our existing businesses in Smyrna. The Smyrna Safe Business program is a service the city provides to help our businesses with continuity planning and recovery. This ensures that disruptions to our local economy are minimized in case of a natural disaster or local emergency.”
The program is just one of many that the Smyrna Fire Department is using to embrace the concepts of Community Risk Reduction, a process which involves the proactive and in-depth analysis of all risks to the community. The first Smyrna Safe Business Program session is planned for May of 2023. Applications can be submitted on the Smyrna Fire Department’s webpage at https://www.smyrnaga.gov/departments/public-safety/fire-department
