(ATLANTA) – The weather outside isn’t frightful yet, but the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, in partnership with the National Weather Service and GDOT, is gearing up for Winter Weather Preparedness Week on Dec. 2-6. This week encourages Georgians to prepare for inclement winter weather by learning about winter weather threats, reviewing or creating a family communications plan and considering what items to put in their Ready kits.

“Winter weather in Georgia has been always unpredictable, whether we receive snow for a day or severe winter weather that lasts over a few days,” said GEMA/HS Director Homer Bryson. “We want for people to use this time to prepare and educate themselves on what to do before, during and after an inclement weather event.”

Winter Weather Preparedness Week is designed to raise awareness of winter weather hazards and reinforce understanding of winter weather terminology. GEMA/HS will distribute winter weather preparedness information via social media channels and provide toolkits to local emergency management directors for sharing this information in their counties all week-long during the WWPW campaign.

Each day of the campaign will address the following topics:

Monday, Dec. 2: Winter Weather in Georgia – learn about winter weather hazards that can impact the state of Georgia

Tuesday, Dec. 3: Winter Weather Terminology – learn about winter weather "alerts" (watches, warnings and advisories) and what they mean

Wednesday, Dec. 4: 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, Dec. 5: 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. 6: Winter Weather Outlook for 2019-20 season -- resources for learning where and how to stay informed of weather forecasts.

Georgians are encouraged to visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for more information on winter weather and preparedness tips on natural and man-made disasters.

 

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 for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.

###