Gordon County public safety officials, along with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency’s (GEMA/HS) Ready Georgia campaign, are encouraging citizens to take time to prepare for possible inclement weather emergencies this winter.
“Winter Weather Preparedness Week is a great time for Gordon County residents and businesses to prepare for all potential winter hazards,” said Courtney Taylor, Director of Gordon County Emergency Management. “Since winter weather can be unpredictable, we’re hopeful these plans and education on potentially dangerous storms encourage residents to prepare for severe winter weather.”
Winter Weather Preparedness Week, from Nov. 27 – Dec. 1, was created to raise awareness of winter weather hazards and reinforce understanding of winter weather terminology. Throughout the week, Gordon County and Ready Georgia encourages all Georgians to prepare for severe weather and restock necessary supplies.
Each day concentrates on different aspects of severe winter weather and provides critical information for preparedness. The focus for each day is as follows:
- Monday, Nov. 27: Winter Weather in Georgia — While the danger from winter weather varies across the state, most Georgians are likely to face some type of winter weather this year. Whether it’s below freezing temperatures, snow or ice, taking the necessary steps now can help you prepare for winter storms whenever they strike. Throughout this Winter Weather Preparedness Week, we’ll share tips on how to keep you and your family safe as the season gets cooler, and potentially more dangerous.
- Tuesday, Nov. 28: Winter Weather Terminology — Day two of #WWPW focuses on winter weather terminology. From “winter storm watch” to “freezing rain advisory,” there are multiple terms you should be familiar with in order to put your personal preparedness plan into action.
- Wednesday, Nov. 29: Winter Weather Preparedness Tips — It’s Day 3 of #WWPW and we encourage you to take a few simple steps to ensure that your home and vehicle are ready for the winter season. Make sure your Ready kit includes items like an alternative heat source to use if the power goes out and an emergency charging option for your cell phone.
- Thursday, Nov. 30: Winter Weather Driving Tips/Safety — When severe winter weather strikes, it can be dangerous to be behind the wheel. Be cautious, minimize your travel and postpone non-essential trips.
- Friday, Dec. 1: Winter Weather Outlook for 2017-18 season. — Stay informed and up-to-date on local severe winter weather info with the @NationalWeatherService.
In addition to following the preparedness tips provided each day during Winter Weather Preparedness Week, citizens are encouraged to prepare themselves, as well as their families and pets, for inclement weather during the winter months by adhering to these tips:
- Prepare a Ready kit of emergency supplies for your home. Include at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food and water, a flashlight with extra batteries, a NOAA Weather Radio, adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm, as well as additional supplies for the unique needs of your family, such as medication or pet Ready kits.
- Keep an extra Ready kit in the trunk of your car. In addition to the basic essentials listed above, consider adding a portable cell phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction and jumper cables.
- Create an emergency communications plan so family members will know who to contact if separated during a storm. Designate at least one out-of-town contact. Determine a way to let family and friends know you’re OK if the power goes out. Create a customized plan for your family using the Ready Georgia website or mobile app.
- Make sure you have a way to stay informed about winter weather. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio or other battery-operated radio to monitor changing winter weather conditions.
- Winterize your vehicle and keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent your fuel line from freezing.
- Winterize your home by placing weather stripping around doors and windows. During cold weather, allow faucets to drip and open cabinet doors to let heat reach non-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
- Identify an alternate heat source, like a fireplace or wood-burning stove, and stock sufficient heating fuel or dry, seasoned wood. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off.
Families can visit the Ready Georgia website or download the free Ready Georgia mobile app to learn how to prepare for emergencies, create family communications plans and more. To learn about specific risks in your area, contact us at ctaylor@gordoncounty.org or 706-602-2905.
About Ready Georgia
Ready Georgia is a GEMA/HS statewide campaign designed to educate and empower Georgians to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, potential terrorist attacks and other large-scale emergencies. Ready Georgia aims to prepare citizens for maintaining self-sufficiency for at least 72 hours following an emergency, and uses an interactive website, free mobile app, broadcast and print advertising and public awareness media messaging to reach its audiences.
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