Georgia is observing Severe Weather Preparedness Week from February 3 to 7, 2025.

This initiative, led by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) in partnership with the National Weather Service (NWS), aims to educate residents about severe weather threats and the importance of preparedness.

Daily Focus Areas

Each day of the week is dedicated to a specific aspect of severe weather preparedness:

Monday, February 3 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day: Residents are encouraged to purchase a NOAA Weather Radio and establish an out-of-state emergency contact.

Tuesday, February 4 – Thunderstorm Safety: Learn the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a warning.

Wednesday, February 5 – Tornado Safety: Participate in the statewide tornado drill at 9:30 a.m. and identify a safe shelter.

Thursday, February 6 – Lightning Safety: Follow the 30/30 rule—if thunder follows lightning in less than 30 seconds, seek shelter and remain inside for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.

Friday, February 7 – Flash Flooding & Flood Safety: Secure important documents in watertight containers and add them to your emergency kit.

These focus areas are designed to help Georgians prepare for various weather-related hazards.

Statewide Tornado Drill

A key event during the week is the statewide tornado drill scheduled for Wednesday, February 5, at 9:30 a.m. Residents, schools, and businesses are encouraged to participate by practicing their tornado safety procedures. This drill serves as a reminder to review emergency plans and determine safe shelter locations in case of a tornado warning.

Importance of Preparedness

GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings emphasized the significance of preparedness, stating, “This past year alone, Georgia has experienced two major hurricanes, winter storms, and significant flooding, reminding us just how unpredictable, diverse, and powerful Mother Nature can be.” He added that by learning safety tips, reviewing emergency plans, and staying prepared, Georgians can protect their families, homes, and communities from the impact of natural disasters.

How to Participate

Georgians can take part in Severe Weather Preparedness Week by:

Reviewing Emergency Plans: Ensure that all family members know what to do in case of various severe weather events.

Assembling Emergency Kits: Prepare kits with essential items such as non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, and important documents.

Staying Informed: Utilize NOAA Weather Radios and enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on mobile devices to receive timely weather updates.

Participating in Drills: Engage in the statewide tornado drill to practice safety procedures.

By actively participating in these activities, residents can enhance their readiness for severe weather events.

Additional Resources

For more information on severe weather preparedness, GEMA/HS and NWS will distribute information through social media and provide toolkits for local emergency management officials throughout the campaign. Residents can also visit the GEMA/HS website for detailed guidance on preparing for various weather-related hazards.

Conclusion

Severe Weather Preparedness Week offers an opportunity for Georgians to become better equipped to handle the challenges posed by natural disasters. By focusing on different aspects of weather safety each day, residents can build a comprehensive understanding of how to protect themselves and their loved ones. Active participation in the week’s activities can make a significant difference in mitigating the impact of severe weather events.