GEMA Encourages Georgians to Prepare for Severe Weather During Severe Weather Preparedness Week is This Week

This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week and The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, in partnership with the National Weather Service, is encouraging Georgians to learn and understand the threats of severe weather and prepare for various weather events.

GEMA and Homeland Security Director Chris Stallings says with the recent severe storms, tornado outbreaks, and straight-line winds that happened across our state a couple of weeks ago, residents should take this time to prepare now more than ever.

Spring is traditionally a period where the threat of tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and lightning from severe thunderstorms greatly increases.

Severe Weather Preparedness Week serves as a reminder to review emergency procedures and prepare for weather-related hazards.

Each day this week there will be a focus on the following topics:

Monday, Feb. 6 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day: You are encouraged to 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. 7 – Thunderstorm Safety: Learn the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a thunderstorm warning.

On Wednesday, February 8, tornado safety is emphasized. Residents, schools, and businesses statewide are encouraged to participate in Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! for Tornado Safety, a statewide tornado drill at 9 a.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 – 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. 10 – Flood Safety: Copy important documents, seal them in a watertight container, and add them to your Ready kit.

For more resources on how you can prepare your home, school, or business 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.