Cobb & Douglas Public Health wants residents to be aware of the sudden and often devastating impact of severe weather this year as Georgia recognizes Severe Weather Preparedness Week, February 6 – 10, 2017.
Following the devastating outbreak of storm systems that caused a record-breaking 41 tornadoes in central and southern Georgia on January 21-22, a large number of Georgians have now witnessed the incredible power and impact that severe weather can bring to the state and region.
In conjunction with Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Homeland Security and other state and local partners, specific topics and days through the week have been created:
- Monday, February 6: Family Preparedness (including NWR and Wireless Emergency Alerts)
- Tuesday, February 7: Thunderstorm Safety (large hail/damaging wind)
- Wednesday, February 8: Tornado Safety **including statewide Tornado Drill at 9 a.m. EST**
- Thursday, February 9: Lightning Safety
- Friday, February 10: Flash Flooding/Flood Safety
Residents can also take action by participating in the National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Spotter initiative, which helps the NWS and meteorologists verify warnings and gather accurate and timely storm reports to compare with corresponding radar data. If you observe hail (quarter sized or larger), strong/damaging winds, or a funnel cloud/tornado anywhere across north and central Georgia, please report it to the National Weather Service (Peachtree City/Atlanta Office) at 1-866-763-4466.
For more information about Severe Weather Preparedness Week and for detailed information about the most common emergencies and how you can prepare, visit www.ready.ga.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY for more information.