State and local emergency management agencies, and the National Weather Service, are teaming up again to remind Georgians of the importance of being weather aware and ready.
Severe Weather Preparedness Week runs Feb. 6-10.
“Given the recent severe storms, tornado outbreaks and straight-line winds that happened across our state a couple of weeks ago, residents should take this time to prepare now more than ever,” says Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security Director Chris Stallings.
Tornadoes, thunderstorms, and floods can occur suddenly, leaving residents who have not prepared for them in potential danger. Habersham County E-911/Emergency Management Director Lynn Smith encourages residents to take time to prepare for future severe weather events.
“Severe Weather Preparedness Week is an opportune time to learn how to prepare our homes and families. During this week, we can plan for the possibility of weather emergencies,” Smith said. “This weeklong campaign will help us to develop and implement safety measures for our families and community.”
Each day of the week will focus on a different threat and methods of preparation:
- Monday, Feb. 6 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day: Purchase a life-saving NOAA Weather Radio and choose an out-of-state friend as a “check-in” contact to call if your family gets separated.
- Tuesday, Feb. 7 – Thunderstorm Safety: Learn the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a thunderstorm warning.
- Wednesday, Feb. 8 – Tornado Safety (Drill at 9 a.m.): Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning.
- Thursday, Feb. 9 – Lightning Safety: Learn the 30/30 rule. If after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, go indoors. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
- Friday, Feb. 10 – Flood Safety: Copy important documents, seal them in a watertight container and add them to your Ready kit.
On Wednesday, Feb. 8, tornado safety is emphasized. Residents, schools and businesses statewide are encouraged to participate in Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! for Tornado Safety, a statewide tornado drill at 9 a.m. To learn about drill procedures, click here or visit the GEMA website.
For more resources on how you can prepare for severe weather emergencies and other disasters, visit the GEMA website and follow @GeorgiaEMAHS on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for preparedness tips and emergency information.
For more information about Severe Weather Preparedness Week and events occurring locally, contact (706) 778-3911.
