The Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to participate in Severe Weather Preparedness Week from February 5 to February 9.
The Agency will partner with the Georgia Emergency Management Fund, Homeland Security Agency and National Weather Service to educate residents on how to prepare for severe weather emergencies such as tornadoes, floods and thunderstorms. The Forsyth EMA will post preparedness tips throughout the week through its social media accounts.
Each day of the week will focus on a different severe weather threat and how to prepare.
Monday, Feb. 5 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio and Wireless Emergency Alerts
Tuesday, Feb. 6 – Thunderstorm Safety
Wednesday, Feb. 7 – Tornado Safety
Thursday, Feb. 8 – Lightning Safety
Friday, Feb. 9 – Flood Safety
“As we transition into spring, we face an increased risk of damaging winds, floods, thunderstorms and tornadoes,” Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Cisco said in a release. “Having a plan and gathering supplies well in advance buys precious time when seconds count. We urge residents to take time this week to create new or update any existing family emergency plans.”
Forsyth County will also participate in a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, February 7 at 9 a.m. During the drill, the county’s outdoor severe weather sirens will sound to signal to schools, businesses, and other groups to practice their procedures for severe weather conditions. To avoid confusion, the drill will only be conducted in the event of good weather. If the drill is postponed, the county will move the test date to Friday, February 9. A list of siren locations in the area can be found at the county’s Emergency Management Agency’s webpage.
Cisco highlighted that residents can also now sign up for Alert Forsyth, the county’s new emergency notification system.
Through the notification system, residents can choose to be sent alerts through call, text, or email as well as when and what kind of weather alerts they wish to receive. The service is free to sign up for, however, phone usage or text charges may apply.
For more information about Severe Weather Preparedness Week and emergency preparedness, contact Forsyth County EMA at [email protected].
