This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Tuesday's theme is Thunderstorm Safety and weather experts urge residents to learn the difference between a Thunderstorm Watch and a ThunderstormWarning.
According the National Weather Service, a watch means thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning means severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar.
Wednesday is Tornado Safety and as part of statewide activities, the ACC Government and UGA will test the outdoor tornado warning sirens and emergency notification systems. The test is part of a statewide PrepreAthon! Tornado drill. Due to inclement weather, that test has been rescheduled for Friday at 9 o’ clock.
Rounding out the week, Thursday is Lightening Safety and Friday is Flood Safety.
For more information and tips on staying safe in Severe Weather, visit www.accgov.com/ema. our website wuga.org.
Severe Weather Preparedness Week focuses on a different area of weather safety each day. The topics are:
Monday, Feb. 3 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day: Purchase a life-saving NOAA Weather Radio and choose an out-of-state friend as a “check-in” contact to call if your family gets separated.
Tuesday, Feb. 4 – Thunderstorm Safety: Learn the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a thunderstorm warning.
Wednesday, Feb. 5 – Tornado Safety (and PrepareAthon! drill for tornado safety at 9:00 a.m.): Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning. *Moved to Friday morning at 9 am.*
Thursday, Feb. 6 – Lightning Safety: Learn the 30/30 rule. If after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, go indoors. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
Friday, Feb. 7 – Flood Safety: Copy important documents, seal them in a watertight container and add them to your Ready kit.
For more information on preparing for severe weather, visit Ready Georgia or contact the Athens-Clarke County Emergency Management Office at oem@accgov.com or 706-613-3410 or visit www.accgov.com/ema.
