Governor Sonny Perdue has proclaimed the week of February 19 through 25 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia. The Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) encourages all residents to participate in the very important events which will take place during this week. Severe Weather Awareness Week focuses on events such as lightning, tornados, thunderstorms, hurricanes, flooding, heat waves and winter storms.

The first major event of Severe Weather Awareness Week will be Family Protection Day on Monday, February 20. The EMA encourages everyone to plan and rehearse what they would do during the first 72-hours of any severe weather or disaster event.

Things to consider are: Who would you contact? How would you contact them? What will you do if utilities such as phones, water, gas and electricity are out of service? Where will you go if you have to evacuate your home or neighborhood?

Thinking about and answering these questions can provide an excellent foundation for formulating a family disaster plan.

Wednesday, February 22 will be the statewide severe weather drill initiated by the National Weather Service. All schools, churches, government offices and residents are encouraged to treat this as a real occurrence by activating their emergency plan. In the event of inclement weather on Wednesday, the drill will be rescheduled for Friday, February 24.

Emergency Management Director Danny Bowman and Emergency Management Coordinator Lorraine Morris emphasize that the public's participation is essential to making this week a success.

We encourage you, your family, friends and co-workers to discuss emergency plans and preparedness, said Bowman.

Proper planning and preparation can make a tremendous difference when severe weather strikes and emergency plans are put into use, added Morris.

Additional information and guidance can be obtained through the Emergency Management Agency page of the Forsyth County Web site at www.forsythco.com or by visiting www.gema.state.ga.us, www.srh.noaa.gov/ffc or www.redcross.org.

To assist citizens with making severe weather preparations, the Forsyth County EMA suggests preparing and maintaining emergency preparedness kits for your homes and automobiles. Suggested contents for these kits include:

 

One gallon of drinking water per person per day

First aid kit

Essential prescription medicines and medical supplies

Specialty items for infants, the elderly and disabled

Non-perishable food and a can opener

Battery powered NOAA weather radio and flashlight with extra batteries

Extra change of clothes (season specific) including protective outerwear

Bedding, such as a sleeping bag and pillow for each person

Car keys and a map of your area and pre-designated evacuation route

Copies of important documents such as deeds, insurance policies, birth certificates, wills, marriage certificates, drivers licenses, tax documents, etc.

Basic cleaning supplies, trash bags and toilet paper

Written instructions on how to safely turn off utilities (do so only if directed to by local emergency services); a professional will have to turn utilities back on

 

Drinking water (two 20-ounce bottles)

First aid kit

Essential prescription medicines and medical supplies

Flashlight

Blanket

Map

Copies of important documents

Any essential items that you cannot do without for at least 72-hours if you were unable to get to your home.