Ga. Urging Severe Weather Awareness

Georgia is marking Severe Weather Awareness Week this week.

Governor Nathan Deal, in coordination with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and the National Weather Service, issued a proclamation calling on Georgians to educate themselves and understand the threats of severe weather during this week’s Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Chief of Staff Catherine Howden said the biggest piece of advice is to always be ready for severe weather.

“The key issue is just being prepared ahead of time,” said Howden. “You do not want to be scrambling to get supplies when severe weather is coming down in your area so having that Ready kit in your home and in your car. That should include three days’ supply of non-perishable food, water, flashlight and extra batteries, and that NOAA Weather Radio that will let you know if bad weather is coming your way.”

Howden went on to say that having a communication plan for a family is also important part of being ready for severe weather.

Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Director Homer Bryson noted that within the first month of 2017, much of Georgia has already seen tornadoes and severe storms.

However, Howden said other weather threats need to be taken just as seriously.

“There is flooding and winter weather,” said Howden. “We are not out of the woods yet with winter weather.”

As a result, she reminded people to have extra warm clothes and blankets ready in homes and vehicles in case they are needed.

For more information on getting prepared for severe weather, people can visit ready.ga.gov or download the free Ready Georgia mobile app.

Meanwhile, Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens also has advice for preparing in case of severe weather.

Hudgens said people need to make a list of all possessions and keep it in a safe place, keep insurance policy numbers and agent phone numbers in a safe place, and check and understand their homeowners’ insurance policy.