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GEMA: Georgians should prepare as hurricane season hurries in

GEMA: Georgians should prepare as hurricane season hurries in

ATLANTA -- The Georgia Emergency Management Agency stresses the importance of safety just before Hurricane Preparedness Week hits. 

During the week, May 26 - June 1, education will be offered to all residents through Georgia who plan to camp outdoors, throw cookouts and spend time at the lakes or in the backyard. Severe weather can make its way here anytime, a Ready Georgia spokeswoman said, which puts Georgians at risk statewide.

Four new command vehicles join DeKalb police fleet

Four new command vehicles join DeKalb police fleet

TUCKER, Ga. -- The DeKalb County Police Department unveiled four new custom-made command vehicles to its force on Friday.

The specialized vehicles, Sgt. William Wallace said, were given to the DCPD through a Metro-Atlanta Urban Area Security Initiative federally funded grant. The new vehicles will boost Special Operations response capabilities, including the SWAT Team, Bomb Squad and hostage negotiators. 

Overall, the additions will be used to strengthen the DeKalb County Police Department. 

College scholarships score $120,000 for DeKalb seniors

College scholarships score $120,000 for DeKalb seniors

DECATUR, Ga. -- The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and the DeKalb County School District presented $120,000 in college scholarships to 26 high school seniors at a recent awards ceremony.

The first-ever DeKalb County Education Scholarship Fund Awards Ceremony was led by CEO Burrell Ellis, who recognized the importance of awarding scholarships to students based on financial needs and merit. Over 135 students applied for the scholarship, from which the selection was chosen.

The winners include: 

Korean American Association building catches fire

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. -- The Korean American Association building on Buford Highway in Gwinnett County caught fire Tuesday evening.

The president of the Korean American Association said organization members met at the location "earlier Tuesday night and had only been gone a short while when they learned about the fire."

Fire officials shut down Buford Highway in both directions as they work to battle the blaze and clear the scene.

There was no immediate word on what caused that fire. Gwinnett County Fire Lt. Colin Rhoden said a roof collapse forced firefighters to put out the fire from outside the building.

Erosion and Sediment Control Seminar, Expo return to Callanwolde

Erosion and Sediment Control Seminar, Expo return to Callanwolde

ATLANTA -- Being held for 26 years by the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Erosion and Sediment Control Seminar will begin May 30 at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center at 8:00 that morning. 

For 2013, discussions will focus on "Gaining Public Support for Water Quality" and "Atlanta's New Green Infrastructure Ordinance." 

"This is a unique opportunity for the public to learn about controlling soil erosion, stabilizing streambanks and protecting water quality for the citizens and businesses in DeKalb County and the surrounding metro areas," Robert Amos, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission regional representative.

Those who attend will learn about new sediment and control practices, products and programs from speakers including GEMA representatives, and others from City of Atlanta, the Department of Watershed Maintenance, Georgia Tech and the NPDES Stormwater Training Institute.

Weekend storms result in flooding, mudslide

ATLANTA -- Heavy rain throughout much of metro Atlanta resulted in flooding Sunday morning.

11Alive meteorologist Allison Chinchar said certain areas in northeastern Georgia got between 4 and 6 inches of rain, including Forsyth, Hall and north Fulton counties.

PHOTOS | Rain and storm damage -- add your own

The Hall County Sheriff's Office said the Atlanta Road area of Flowery Branch should be avoided, as more than 6 inches of rain shut down the street between Spout Springs and Wade Orr roads. The city of Flowery Branch declared a state of emergency Sunday evening.