(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency encourages Georgians to become proactive about preparing for severe weather by participating in Severe Weather Preparedness Week (Feb. 4-8).

“This state has an unpredictable history when comes to severe weather,” said GEMA/HS Director Homer Bryson. “Whether it’s hurricanes, tornadoes or severe thunderstorms, Georgians need to be sure of one thing … that they’re prepared for any disaster. During Severe Weather Preparedness Week, we’re dedicated to educating our citizens on how to better prepare for sudden weather events.”

Spring (March, April, May) is typically the time where the threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail and frequent lightning from severe storms is at its highest across Georgia. Take advantage of Severe Weather Preparedness Week to review your family's emergency procedures and prepare for weather-related hazards.

  • Monday, Feb. 4 – 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. 5 – Thunderstorm Safety: Learn the difference between severe weather “Watches” and “Warnings”.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 6 – Tornado Safety (and PrepareAthon! drill for tornado safety at 9 a.m.): Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning.
  • Thursday, Feb. 7 – 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. 8 – Flood Safety: Copy important documents, seal them in a watertight container and add them to your Ready kit.

To help Georgians prepare for severe weather, GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia campaign offers resources and information residents can use to be informed about potential threats, develop a communications plan and create an emergency supply kit. An interactive website provides detailed information on Georgia-specific emergency preparedness. Users can create a personal profile and receive a customized checklist and family communications plan. Employers can use the Ready Your Business guide to create custom contingency plans, and children can visit the ReadyKids page for age-appropriate information, videos and games.

Your county emergency management agency is also a great resource for information or tips to help you and your family stay prepared.

Click here to view infographics for each of the five days of Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

 

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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/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.

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