Feb. 4-8 is Severe Weather Awareness week

Special to the Journal

Georgians have experienced their share of severe weather in

recent years, with storms causing substantial damage, injury and even death.

Statistics reveal weather-related events have killed at least 352 people in

Georgia, including two in 2012, and injured countless others.

To encourage Georgians to better prepare for these types of

disaster, Gov. Nathan Deal has proclaimed the week of Feb. 4-8 as Severe

Weather Awareness Week.

Throughout the week, Georgians are encouraged to set aside a

few minutes each day to get ready for unexpected events, practice emergency response

procedures for all types of severe weather and learn more about threats.

As part of the observation, GEMA’s Ready Georgia campaign is

urging people statewide to take some simple steps toward preparedness each day.

• Monday, Feb. 4: Family Preparedness Day – Identify a

family reconnection place and purchase a life-saving NOAA Weather Radio.

• Tuesday, Feb. 5: Thunderstorm Safety – Check your patio or

yard to make sure there is nothing that could blow away during a storm; remove

dead or rotting branches from your trees to prevent storm damage.

• Wednesday, Feb. 6: Tornado Safety and Statewide Tornado

Drill (issued by NWS) – Identify a safe place in your home where you could take

shelter during a tornado.

• Thursday, Feb. 7: Lightning Safety – Learn the 30/30 rule:

Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing

thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

• Friday, Feb. 8 – Flood Safety (alternate drill date) –

Make copies of important documents, seal them in a watertight container/bag and

add them to your Ready kit.

For preparedness on the go, families can also download Ready

Georgia’s free mobile app.

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