At a moment’s notice, tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods or other severe weather events can strike in Gordon County at any time. That’s why Gordon County Emergency Management along with all local public safety agencies and in partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency are encouraging all residents to participate in Severe Weather Preparedness Week, February 4-8, to prepare for the possibility of a disaster.
Severe Weather Preparedness Week begins with Family Preparedness Day on Feb. 4, when Gordon 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.
“I urge all of our residents to take this time now to prepare when there are not any severe weather events,” said Courtney Taylor, Director of Gordon County Emergency Management. “You can ensure that you and your family stay safe if necessary steps are taken ahead of time, and you can implement safety measures at home and at work so they will be ready when 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. 4 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day
- Tuesday, Feb. 5 – Thunderstorm Safety
- Wednesday, Feb. 6 – Tornado Safety and PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety
- Thursday, Feb. 7 – Lightning Safety
- Friday, Feb. 8 – Flood Safety
On Wednesday, when tornado safety is emphasized, residents, schools and businesses statewide can participate in Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety, a statewide tornado drill.
For more information about Severe Weather Preparedness Week and events occurring locally, visit www.gordoncounty.org or contact Gordon County EMA at ctaylor@gordoncounty.org or 706-602-2905
Monday, February 4, 2019: Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day – Today kicks off Severe Weather Preparedness Week! Communication/Family Emergency Plans are an essential part of being prepared for severe weather in Gordon County. You and your loved ones may not always be together when disaster strikes so creating or having a Communication Plan in place is necessary. Not sure where to start with your plan? Visit http://ready.ga.gov/Plan/ to make a plan to keep you and your family connected. #SWPW
Tuesday, February 5, 2019: Thunderstorm Safety – Do you know the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a thunderstorm warning? On day two of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, visit http://ready.ga.gov/Stay-Informed/Thunderstorms-and-Lightning to learn more about thunderstorms and what to do when watches and warnings are issued in Gordon County.
Wednesday, February 6, 2019: Tornado Safety (morning) – Calling all residents, schools, and businesses! Join us at 9 a.m. today in participating in the statewide PrepareAthon for tornado safety. Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival. More tips on sheltering during tornadoes are available at http://ready.ga.gov/Stay-Informed/Tornadoes
Wednesday, February 6, 2019: Tornado Safety (afternoon) – How do you receive tornado warnings? Gordon County uses a mass notification system called HyperReach to notify about severe weather. Sign up today at www.gordoncounty.org. Also, during #SWPW make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings. For more information on tornadoes, visit http://ready.ga.gov/Stay-Informed/Tornadoes
Thursday, February 7, 2019: Lightning Safety – Lightning is the #2 weather-related killer in Georgia, behind tornadoes. Make sure to know the lightning safety rules. If you hear thunder or see lightning, go indoors. Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. Learn more by visiting http://ready.ga.gov/Stay-Informed/Thunderstorms-and-Lightning
Friday, February 8, 2019: Flood Safety – NEVER drive through standing water. It only takes one foot to float a full-sized automobile and two feet can sweep it away. More than half of flood victims are in vehicles swept away by moving water. To learn more about preparing for floods, review Ready Georgia’s flood safety tips. http://ready.ga.gov/Stay-Informed/Floods-and-Flash-Floods
About Gordon County Emergency Management
Gordon County Emergency Management is tasked with community-wide prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation to natural and manmade disasters. Gordon County Emergency Management accomplishes this through planning, training, and exercises that unite partner agencies within the community for this mission.
About Ready Georgia
Ready Georgia is a statewide campaign designed to educate and encourage Georgians to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, potential terrorist attacks, and other large-scale emergencies. The campaign aims to prepare citizens to maintain self-sufficiency for at least 72 hours following an emergency.
About GEMA/HS
As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.
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