(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, in partnership with the National Weather Service, is preparing for Winter Weather Preparedness Week on Dec. 5-9. Georgians will be encouraged to learn about winter weather threats, review or create a family communications plan and consider what items are best for their Ready kits in preparation for the potential inclement weather this winter.

“The winter months in Georgia are unpredictable, so now is the ideal time to start thinking and preparing for any emergency this upcoming season,” said GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings. “We’ve previously seen frost, snow, ice and freezing rain, which is why we encourage everyone to use WWPW to prepare and educate themselves on how to respond before, during and after winter weather occurs.”

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 weeklong during the WWPW campaign.

Each day of the campaign will address the following topics:

Monday, Dec. 5: Winter Weather in Georgia – learn about winter weather hazards that can impact the state of Georgia

Tuesday, Dec. 6: Winter Weather Terminology – learn about winter weather "alerts" (watches, warnings and advisories) and what they mean

Wednesday, Dec. 7: 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. 8: 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. 9: Winter Weather Outlook for 2022-23 season -- resources for learning where and how to stay informed of weather forecasts.

Residents are encouraged to visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for more information on winter weather preparedness tips.

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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.