At a moment’s notice, tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods or other severe weather events can strike in Hall County at any time.
That’s why Hall County Emergency Management is encouraging all residents to participate in Severe Weather Preparedness Week, February 3-7, to prepare for the possibility of a disaster. Severe Weather Preparedness Week begins with Family Preparedness Day on Feb. 3, when Hall County households are encouraged to program their NOAA Weather Radios. The rest of the week dedicates time to practicing response to specific emergency events and going through the procedures of learning how to deal with each potential disaster.
“This is an excellent time of year to make sure that you and your family are properly prepared for severe weather,” said Casey Ramsey, Director of Hall County Emergency Management. “By taking the time now to prepare, you can ensure that the necessary steps of preparedness are taken care of before severe weather strikes.”
Each day will focus on a different severe weather threat faced by Georgians. All of the following days focus on a different threat and how to prepare.
Monday, Feb. 3 – 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. 4 – Thunderstorm Safety. Learn the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a thunderstorm warning.
Wednesday, Feb. 5 – Tornado Safety and PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety. Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning. On Wednesday, when tornado safety is emphasized, residents, schools and businesses statewide can participate in a statewide tornado drill beginning at 9 a.m. That will also be the time that Hall County Emergency Management will test the outdoor weather sirens.
Thursday, Feb. 6 – 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. 7 – Flood Safety. Copy important documents, seal them in a watertight container and add them to your Ready kit.
For more information about Severe Weather Preparedness Week and events occurring locally, visit https://gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia or contact [email protected].
http://accesswdun.com/article/2020/2/872414/hall-county-ema-prepares-for-severe-weather-preparedness-week