Fayette County to Participate in Severe Weather Awareness Week
February 6-10
The Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services in partnership with the National Weather Service and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency would like to inform all residents that February 6-10th, 2012 is 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. Also, it is a good time for all businesses, day cares, assisted living communities to develop or test their current plan of action for severe weather.
As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, Fayette County will participate in the statewide tornado drill. On Wednesday, February 8 at approximately 09:30 a.m., there will be a weekly test that will be broadcasted over all NOAA weather radios. During that time, to ensure that the county’s 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 Wednesday, February 8, the drill will be moved to Friday, February 10 at 09:00 a.m..
IMPORTANT!!!! Please pass this information on to your 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. Please do not call 911 to ask questions about the sirens. Only call 911 if you have an emergency.
Fayette County has made significant strides in preparing for and warning the public about severe weather. The county has 26 severe weather warning sirens throughout the county, these sirens are located in some of the most vulnerable and densely populated areas of the county to ensure adequate severe warnings are issued to the public.
Severe weather can happen at any time, Fayette County did experience an F-0 and F-1 Tornado on December 22, 2011 that caused damage to two areas of the county, so plan and prepare to keep your family safe at all times.
severe weather safety tips
Prior to the Storm
- Develop a plan for you and your family for at home, work, and school.
- Have frequent drills on the plan.
- Know the community you live in, and identify shelters in your area.
- Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning tone and battery back-up for weather warnings.
A disaster kit at a minimum should include the following:
- A three-day supply of water and food that will not spoil
- One change of clothes with footwear per person
- One blanket per person
- A first aid kit
- Portable radio and batteries
- Cash and credit cards
- Special items, which may be necessary in an emergency
Weather Watches and Warnings
- A severe weather watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather.
- A severe weather warning means that severe weather is imminent.
- If a warning has been issued, take cover in a basement or the center of your home or office.
- Stay away from windows.
- Have a Disaster Kit on hand.
When Do Sirens Sound
After careful review, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services has made some modifications to our policy regarding the sounding of weather warning sirens. Sirens will sound under the following conditions,
- Sirens will sound during a Tornado WARNING issued for Fayette County by the National Weather Service.
- Sirens will sound during a Severe Thunderstorm WARNING issued for Fayette County by the National Weather Service with winds of greater than 80 MPH or hails greater than 2.5 inches in diameter. (Sirens will no longer sound during thunderstorm WARNINGS while under a tornado WATCH unless the warning meets the above criteria)
- Sirens will sound when a confirmed visual sighting of a tornado is made by a creditable source.
- In recreational areas, a verbal warning message only from the 911 Center will be made for Significant Weather Alerts and severe thunderstorm WARNINGS. No tone will be associated with the verbal message.
SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY TIPS
If a warning is issued or threatening weather approaches
- In a home or building move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
- If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Remember to put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
- Stay away from windows.
- Get out of automobiles.
- Do NOT try to outrun a tornado in an automobile.
- Mobile homes, even tied down offer little protection and should be abandoned
Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible.
Remain alert for signs of approaching storms and take the necessary precautions.
Director of Public Safety, Allen McCullough states, “It is very important that our citizens are informed and prepared for severe weather to help ensure the safety of their family and friends.”
For additional Severe Weather Awareness Week information in Georgia and other weather preparedness information click the links below.
http://www.fayettecountyga.gov/fire_ems/severe_weather.htm
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