Severe Weather Awareness Week

Today marks the beginning of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia, and local officials say they hope residents use the week as an opportunity to prepare for the worst.

The announcement of Severe Weather Awareness Week from Gov. Nathan Deal came on the heels of the conception and formation of Ready Georgia, a public awareness campaign aimed at helping citizens understand the importance of emergency preparedness as well as providing them with the tools necessary to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

The need for such preparation is likely no secret to Carroll County residents, said County EMA Director Tim Padgett. In his tenure at the county, which has spanned several decades, Padgett has been present for 11 emergencies that qualified the county for federal and state disaster relief, including the historically-anomalous floods that swept the region in late 2009.

On the whole, Georgia experienced 504 thunderstorms during 2009, which posed dangerous threats to communities throughout the state, including lightning, heavy rain that could cause flooding, strong winds, hail and the possibility of tornadoes. Nearly 10 percent of thunderstorms are classified as severe meaning they have winds of 58 mph or higher, hail at least three-quarters of an inch and may produce a tornado.

With winter weather still a seemingly weekly threat and with spring ushering in thunderstorm and tornado season, Padgett said it’s important for area residents to take the time now to get equipped for whatever Mother Nature throws at them.

Preparation is twofold. Not only is it important to have medical supplies, food and an emergency radio on hand, but residents also need to have a plan of action in place so that all family members know exactly what to do when the time comes.

“It’s very important for people to be prepared for severe weather because it affects us in so many ways. You need to be prepared for just about anything, because it seems like our county has a lot of storms,” Padgett said. “We encourage people to be prepared before it happens, so they’re not running to the store or trying to get things figured out at the last minute.”

Here are some tips for residents to remember if a bad storm hits:

* Create a Ready kit of emergency supplies in case you lose power or must remain at home.

* Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a thunderstorm hazard. A thunderstorm watch means there is a possibility of a thunderstorm in your area. A thunderstorm warning means a thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon.

* Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

* Develop an emergency communications plan so family members know who call during severe thunderstorms.
* If a thunderstorm is likely in your area, postpone outdoor activities.
* Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
* Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
* Avoid showering or bathing during a thunderstorm. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
* Watch for darkening skies, lightning, increasing winds.
* Go quickly inside a home, building, or hard top automobile, if possible.
* If shelter is not available, go to the lowest area nearby and make yourself the smallest target possible but do not lie flat on the ground.
* If on open water, get to land and shelter immediately.
* Things to avoid during a thunderstorm: isolated trees in an open area, hilltops, open fields, the beach, a boat on water, isolated sheds or anything metal (tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles).
* Listen to battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio or traditional radio for the latest thunderstorm updates.
* If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately.
* A corded telephone should only be used in an emergency, but cordless phones and cell phones are safe to use.