This is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Georgia. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency’s (GEMA/HS) Ready Georgia campaign, is encouraging citizens to take time to prepare for possible inclement weather emergencies this winter.
Winter Weather Preparedness Week was created to raise awareness of winter weather hazards and reinforce understanding of winter weather terminology. Throughout the week, Georgians are encouraged to prepare for severe weather and restock necessary supplies.
Each day concentrates on different aspects of severe winter weather and provides critical information for preparedness. The focus for each day is as follows:
Monday, Nov. 27: Winter Weather in Georgia — learn about winter weather hazards that can impact the state of Georgia
Tuesday, Nov. 28: Winter Weather Terminology — learn about winter weather alerts (watches, warnings and advisories) and what they mean
Wednesday, Nov. 29: Winter Weather Preparedness Tips — learn how to best prepare for winter weather events, and put together a Ready kit while making a plan before winter weather strikes
Thursday, Nov. 30: Winter Weather Driving Tips/Safety — learn best practices for driving (if necessary) in winter weather conditions and how to pack a mobile Ready kit
Friday, Dec. 1: Winter Weather Outlook for 2017-18 season
In addition to following the preparedness tips provided each day during Winter Weather Preparedness Week, citizens are encouraged to prepare themselves, as well as their families and pets, for inclement weather during the winter months by adhering to these tips:
- Keep an extra Ready Kit in the trunk of your car. In addition to the basic essentials listed above, consider adding a portable cell phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction and jumper cables.
- Create an emergency communications plan so family members will know who to contact if separated during a storm. Designate at least one out-of- town contact.
- Determine a way to let family and friends know you’re OK if the power goes out.
- Create a customized plan for your family using the Ready Georgia website or mobile app.
- Make sure you have a way to stay informed about winter weather. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio or other battery-operated radio to monitor changing winter weather conditions.
- Winterize your vehicle and keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent your fuel line from freezing.
- Winterize your home by placing weather stripping around doors and windows. During cold weather, allow faucets to drip and open cabinet doors to let heat reach uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
- Identify an alternate heat source, like a fireplace or wood-burning stove, and stock sufficient heating fuel or dry, seasoned wood. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off.
Visit the Ready Georgia website or download the free Ready Georgia mobile app to learn how to prepare for emergencies, create family communication plans and more.
