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Preparedness SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK 2012
Last year we were reminded just how powerful weather can be. In April 2011, 321 people were killed during a violent tornado outbreak. Much of the country was affected including the Southern, Midwestern, and Northern United States.The devastation left upon much of the country proves just how important it is to prepare. That's why the National Weather Service, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) are proclaiming February 6th - 10th, 2012 Severe Weather Awareness Week. It is a week for all Georgians to consider the impact of severe weather and to have a plan mapped out in case they are faced with what could be potentially dangerous consequences. Since the awareness campaign began in 1978, severe weather events in Georgia have killed at least 350 people and with continuous population growth, the potential for storms to cause death and destruction increases.
During Severe Weather Awareness Week, CEMA's mission is to help Chatham County residents understand what severe weather is and teach the importance of items like disaster supply kits and NOAA weather radios.
Severe Weather Awareness Week is a time when residents should prepare and develop a family disaster plan. The most important step is meeting with family members to discuss what members should do when severe weather strikes. Residents should write down contact numbers, learn community evacuation plans, choose "out-of-area" contacts and then practice their plans.
It will also be a good time to learn about Chatham County's Emergency Outdoor Warning Siren System. Currently there are 60 sirens, which cover 95% of the county. The outdoor warning sirens are used to notify people about hazards such as explosions and tornadoes that would require people to take action.
So remember, severe weather can happen anytime and anywhere. Will you be prepared?
Take part in Severe Weather Awareness Week Activities!
Essay Contest for Chatham County 5th Graders
Statewide Tornado Drill: February 8th
Each day of Severe Weather Awareness Week focuses on a different topic:
Monday, February 6 - Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio
Tuesday, February 7 - Thunderstorm Safety
Wednesday, February 8 - Tornado Safety (Statewide Tornado Drill)
Thursday, February 9 - Lightning Safety
Friday, February 10 - Flooding
