Severe Weather Awareness Week Observed February 3rd through 7th
The Henry County Board of Commissioners is joining the Henry County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), the State of Georgia and the National Weather Service in proclaiming February 3 through 7 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. This annual observance is designed to educate Georgians about weather-related topics, including family preparedness, NOAA weather radios, the dangers of thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning and floods, and is an excellent time for families to learn emergency preparedness and response procedures for all types of severe weather.
From tornadoes to lightning to floods, Georgia is susceptible to a variety of natural disasters. Severe weather is dangerous and can strike with very little warning, which is why it’s important to get ready in advance.
Each day of Severe Weather Awareness Week focuses on a different type of threat faced by Georgians. Henry County is encouraging all residents to take a few minutes to learn about how to deal with each emergency situation by visiting http://www.co.henry.ga.us/911/FamilyEmergency.shtml or the Ready Georgia website at www.ready.ga.gov.
Weather Awareness Week is a great time to make sure you and your family are prepared and each day focuses on a different weather-related topic:
February 3 Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day
February 4 Thunderstorm Safety
February 5 Tornado Safety and statewide drill issued by NWS
February 6 Lightning Safety
February 7 Flood Safety (alternate tornado drill date)
The week’s activities begin with Family Preparedness Day on Feb. 3, when Henry County households are encouraged to program their NOAA Weather Radios and create Ready Profiles. With a Ready Profile, families can create a customized checklist of emergency supplies and a tailored family communications plan. It’s also important to keep mind that during severe weather, emergency workers might need at least three days to open roadways and restore utilities. If you are prepared to survive independently, it not only helps your family, it also frees up resources to quickly deal with the most urgent threats
On Wednesday, when tornado safety is emphasized, a statewide tornado drill will be issued by the National Weather Service. If there is a threat of severe weather on that day, the drill will be held Friday, February 8.
Another valuable new tool for Henry County residents is the Emergency Notification System. Sign up to receive these notifications at www.henrycounty-ga.org. We also recommend NOAA Weather Radio as standard operating equipment in every home.
NOAA Weather Radio is a nationwide network of radio stations dedicated to broadcasting continuous weather information directly from a nearby National Weather Service office. It is the best way to hear watches and warning from the National Weather Service (NWS), even if they are issued in the middle of the night.
For more information about how to prepare for weather emergencies, please visit www.henrycounty-ga.org/911 or the Ready Georgia website at www.ready.ga.gov.