The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), in partnership with the National Weather Service (NWS), declare Nov. 1 as Georgia’s Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Day.
Severe weather could occur without any warning and can be widespread. Being prepared starts at home knowing you may have to take care of yourself until help can arrive.
Columbia County EMA Deputy Director Suzie Hughes encourages families to prepare for severe weather emergencies by establishing a family emergency plan, an emergency supply kit, and becoming more aware of the severe weather threats that could impact our community.
“Locally, historical severe weather occurrences in our area show that we need to be prepared for flooding, tornadoes, downbursts, severe winter storms, hurricanes and tropical storms, drought, severe thunderstorms and extreme heat,” Hughes stated. “As you prepare for severe weather emergencies, start by making a plan today. Your family may not be together during a severe weather event. Know how you will contact one another and reconnect, if separated. Identify multiple ways you will receive emergency alerts and warnings, evacuation plans and a family communications plan.”
GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings continued a similar sentiment regarding preparedness.
“Although hurricane season is ending, we still encourage our residents to continue to prepare for other types of severe weather,” said Stallings. “Typically, we see an increase in severe thunderstorms and tornadoes during the late fall and early winter season, so right now is the perfect time for Georgians to educate themselves and their loved ones on how to stay safe in case of emergencies.”
Hughes recommended multiple activities which could help during future weather events or other emergencies whether they have an impact on you and your family or the community as a whole.
She states, “Assemble an emergency supply kit that contains a three-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food items, flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries, NOAA Alert Radio, a first aid kit, manual can opener, and tools to turn off utilities. Additional items to consider are personal hygiene items, prescription and non-prescription medications, infant supplies, pet food and water and copies of important family documents.”
Make sure your family knows what room in your home is the safest for severe weather emergencies, such as tornadoes or downbursts. Identify an interior room without windows on the lowest floor of your home. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can.
Columbia County EMA hosts outreach and training events throughout the year such as Pack a Bag, Stop the Bleed, SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training and Public Safety and Preparedness Fair.
For more information on how your family can get prepared for severe weather emergencies, visit www.ready.gov.
