During Severe Weather Preparedness Week (Feb. 6-10), the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency are partnering with the National Weather Service to encourage Georgians to learn about the threats of severe weather and prepare for various weather events. Spring is traditionally a period where the threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and lightning from severe thunderstorms greatly increases. Severe Weather Preparedness Week is a reminder to review emergency procedures and prepare for weather-related hazards. To view, the topics addressed each day, view gems.georgia.gov.
Each day of the campaign, a different topic will be addressed:
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 essential documents, seal them in a watertight container, and add them to your Ready kit.
On Wednesday, February 8, there will be special events about tornado safety. Georgia residents, schools, and businesses are encouraged to participate in Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! for Tornado Safety, a statewide tornado drill at 9 a.m.
For more information on drill procedures, visit https://gema.georgia.gov/tornado-drill-procedures. Local emergency management agencies are also great resources for information or tips to help families, schools, and organizations stay prepared.
Local emergency management agencies are also great resources for information or tips to help families, schools, and organizations stay prepared.
For more resources on preparing your home, school, or business for severe weather emergencies and other disasters, visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia and follow @GeorgiaEMAHS on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for preparedness tips and emergency information.