Governor Nathan Deal has proclaimed Dec.1-5 as Winter Weather Preparedness Week. During this week, Georgians are encouraged to prepare for severe winter weather by stocking supplies, making a plan and learning about the different types of winter weather.
“By making a winter weather plan and staying informed, all Georgians can do their part to stay safe as the temperature in our state drops,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “During Winter Weather Preparedness Week, an initiative of the Severe Winter Weather Warning and Preparedness Task Force, our citizens will be provided with information to help equip their families and homes with the tools necessary to prevent dangerous winter weather situations before they happen.”
Winter Weather Preparedness Week focuses on a different preparedness topic each day. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security’s (GEMA) Ready Georgia campaign is urging residents to learn about different ways to prepare. The week includes events for each day.
Monday, Dec. 1, About Winter Weather in Georgia, teaches about the different types of severe weather that affect Georgia.
Tuesday, Dec. 2, Winter Weather Terminology, focuses on the different types of winter weather alerts and what they mean.
Winter Weather Preparation Tips is on Wednesday, Dec. 3, and will hone in on how to prepare a Ready kit and make a plan for severe winter weather.
Thursday, Dec. 4 focuses on Winter Weather Driving Safety (learning the best practices for driving in winter conditions and how to pack a mobile Ready kit), and Friday, Dec. 5, will be about Winter Weather Outlook (learning what to expect this winter).
“All of Georgia is susceptible to winter weather, including freezing rain, sleet, ice, snow and extreme cold. These threats can cause unsafe driving conditions, power outages and other problems,” said GEMA/Homeland Security Director Charley English. “Winter Weather Preparedness Week is the perfect time to learn about these threats and how to prepare for them.”
According to Ready Georgia, the most important preparedness step Georgians can take is to put together a Ready kit with a three-day supply of food, water and other critical supplies needed when winter weather causes power outages or makes it unsafe to travel.
A mobile Ready kit for vehicles that includes a car charger, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets and sand for traction is also recommended.
Ready Georgia also says it is important to stay weather-aware by monitoring the news for potential storms.
Residents can make sure they aren’t caught off guard by using a NOAA Weather radio at home and Ready Georgia’s mobile app on the go to get alerts.
The mobile app was upgraded earlier this year to add audible alerts that are geo-targeted to the user’s location, keeping them more aware of changing weather conditions.
During Winter Weather Preparedness Week, houses of worship are encouraged to get their buildings and congregations ready for potential emergencies through GEMA’s new Praise & Preparedness program. Businesses should also take time to create or review their business continuity plans before severe weather hits.
Finally, Ready Georgia has invited elementary students from around the state to see which classroom can create the best preparedness-themed holiday jingle. The competing students’ entries will be unveiled on the Ready Georgia Facebook page each day during Winter Weather Preparedness Week.
For more information on preparing for winter weather and other disasters, contact your local EMA or visit www.ready.ga.gov or www.gema.ga.gov.
