It is never too soon to be prepared for an emergency. And that includes emergencies caused by severe storms that can cause power outages and shortages of provisions. The Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services (FES) wants residents to be prepared for those emergencies and is using national Severe Weather Awareness Week to participate in a statewide tornado drill on Feb. 9.
FES spokesperson Donnie Davis said that his agency in partnership with the National Weather Service and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) reminds all residents that Feb. 6-12 is national Severe Weather Week.
“During this week Fayette County residents should take the time to discuss with their families the importance of preparing and planning for severe weather,” Davis said. “It is also a good time for all businesses, daycare facilities and assisted living communities to develop or test their current plan of action for severe weather.”
Davis said that as part of national Severe Weather Awareness Week, Fayette County will participate in a state wide tornado drill on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at approximately 9 a.m.
During that time, to ensure that the county siren system is functioning correctly the 911 Center will sound the severe weather sirens during the drill just as they have in the past years.
If severe weather threatens on Feb. 9 the drill will be moved to Friday, Feb. 11 at 9 a.m., Davis said.
Davis asked that residents pass this information on to their neighbors, employees, and family members to inform them that this is only a test in conjunction with the statewide tornado drill and Severe Weather Awareness Week. Davis requested that citizens do not call 911 to ask questions about the sirens. Only call 911 if you have an emergency, said Davis.
“It is very important that our citizens are informed and prepared for severe weather to help ensure the safety of their family and friends,” said Fayette County Director of Public Safety Allen McCullough.
Emergency responders dealing with natural and manmade disasters have long stressed that appropriate advanced planning on the part of individuals, families and businesses can forestall a range of difficulties that can easily arise during those disasters.
Simply stockpiling even a moderate amount of essential food, drinks and provisions and having a designated location for family members to meet during or after a disaster can forestall a great deal of worry and risk.
