(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, along with the National Weather Service, would like to encourage all Georgians to participate in Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which takes place Feb. 5-9.

“Springtime in our great state can bring about a range of weather risks from thunderstorms, including tornadoes, strong winds, lightning, large hail, and flooding,” said GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings. “I urge all residents to actively participate in Severe Weather Preparedness Week this year, as it offers valuable knowledge on protecting your homes and loved ones from potential disasters.”

Topics to be covered each day are as follows:

  • Monday, Feb. 5 – 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. 6 – Thunderstorm Safety: Learn the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a thunderstorm warning.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 7 – Tornado Safety (Drill at 9 a.m.): Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning.
  • Thursday, Feb. 8 – 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. 9 – Flood Safety: Copy important documents, seal them in a watertight container and add them to your Ready kit.

Residents, schools and businesses statewide are encouraged to participate in Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! for Tornado Safety, a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, February 7, at 9 a.m. For more information on drill procedures, visit gema.georgia.gov/tornado-drill-procedures.

For more resources on how you can prepare for severe weather emergencies and other disasters, visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia and follow @GeorgiaEMAHS on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for preparedness tips and emergency information.

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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.