Winter Weather Preparedness Week begins November 27

(ATLANTA) – With winter around the corner, now is the time to start preparing for winter weather. During Winter Weather Preparedness Week, Nov. 27-Dec. 1, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency encourages Georgians to be ready for frigid temperatures and accompanying storms.

“Snow or ice may not be on many people’s minds since Georgia generally doesn’t see a great deal of it,” said GEMA/HS Director Homer Bryson. “But, past storms have shown that Georgia isn’t exempt from severe winter weather, so take precautions now and prepare for the unexpected.”

Winter Weather Preparedness Week is designed to raise awareness of winter weather hazards and reinforce understanding of winter weather terminology. Each day during Winter Weather Preparedness Week, GEMA/HS will distribute winter weather preparedness information via social media channels to assist Georgia residents in protecting their families, homes and pets during a winter storm.

Monday, Nov. 27: Winter Weather in Georgia -- learn about winter weather hazards that can impact the state of Georgia, such as freezing temperatures, snow or ice.

Tuesday, Nov. 28: Winter Weather Terminology -- learn about winter weather "alerts" (watches, warnings and advisories) and what they all mean

Wednesday, Nov. 29: Winter Weather Preparation 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

As part of the Office of the Governor, GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal governments, in partnership with the private sector and faith-based community, to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. In addition, GEMA/HS employees are on 24-hour call statewide to assist local authorities when disaster strikes. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia campaign helps Georgians prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.

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