Habersham County Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the National Weather Service, will observe Severe Weather Preparedness Week Feb. 5-9.
Habersham County residents will be able to equip their homes with necessities before it becomes dangerous in preparation for severe weather.
Citizens should be educated
“We want our citizens to be well informed and educated before any weather event strikes to prevent loss of life and significant property damage,” said Habersham County E-911/Emergency Management Agency Director Lynn Smith. “Spring is traditionally a period where the threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and lightning from severe thunderstorms greatly increases.”
As Severe Weather Preparedness Week arrives, Smith urges residents, schools, and businesses to review emergency procedures and prepare for weather-related hazards.
Topics to be addressed
- Monday, Feb. 5 – Family Preparedness / NOAA Weather Radio / Wireless Emergency Alerts Day: This is a day to determine whether your home, school, or workplace has a NOAA Weather Radio set to receive severe weather alerts and to ensure that you are signed up for text alerts about impending severe weather dangers. In Habersham County, you can sign up for CodeRed alerts at habershamga.com or by texting HabershamGA to 99411.
- Tuesday, Feb. 6 – Thunderstorm Safety: In addition to knowing the difference between a Watch and a Warning, this is a day to learn about the threats and impacts of hail and damaging winds.
- Wednesday, Feb. 7 – Tornado Safety: This is a chance for residents, schools, and businesses to practice or think about where they will seek shelter in the event a Tornado Warning is issued. The Statewide Tornado Drill is set for that morning, with a backup day of Friday, Feb. 9.
- Thursday, Feb. 8 – Lightning Safety: Lightning strikes can be deadly so continuing outdoor work or activities can place your life at risk.
- Friday, Feb. 9 – Flash Flooding and Flood Safety: Habersham County recently experienced flash flooding and saw rising waters again over the weekend. It is important to pay attention to what areas near your home or business flood and how much rainfall usually triggers that.
Further resources
Families, schools, businesses, churches, and other organizations who have questions about being prepared for severe weather can reach out to Habersham County Emergency Management Agency at (706) 778-3911.
There are resources on how you can prepare your home, school, or business for severe weather emergencies and other disasters. Follow @GeorgiaEMAHS on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for preparedness tips and emergency information.
