(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), in partnership with the National Weather Service (NWS), recognizes November 4 as Georgia’s Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Day for schools, businesses and individuals to take part in a severe weather exercise/tornado drill around 9:30 a.m.

“It can be easy to move straight from hurricane season to winter weather in our minds, but the threat of severe weather in the fall should not be overlooked,” said GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb. “Families, schools, and businesses should use this day to review their severe weather plans and brush up on tornado drill procedures.”

Climatology from the National Weather Service shows that parts of Georgia see a secondary peak in severe weather, including tornadoes, during the months of November and early December.

Georgians can prepare for severe weather with GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia campaign as it offers guidance for building a ready kit and creating a family emergency plan. Citizens should also stay weather-aware by having multiple ways to receive alerts, knowing the difference between a watch and a warning, understanding the dangers of tornadoes and flash flooding, and knowing where to take shelter.

As individuals and families prepare for this day, schools and businesses will be conducting severe weather exercise/tornado drills, activated by a modified NOAA Weather Radio's Routine Weekly Test. All six National Weather Service Forecast Offices that cover Georgia will issue this special weather radio message simultaneously across the state around 9:30 a.m.

To get the most out of your tornado drill, visit gema.georgia.gov/tornado-drill-procedures for tips on what to do before, during, and after the drill. Your county emergency management agency is also a great resource for information or tips to help you and your family stay prepared.

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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.