The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is holding a statewide PrepareAthon! tornado drill 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5. This event coincides with Severe Weather Preparedness Week to encourage Georgians to prepare now for any type of severe weather, according to a press release.
GEMA/HS urges Georgians to participate, as the peak of tornado activity typically occurs in the spring months. To prepare, plan and stay informed about tornadoes.
Ready Georgia shares the following tips:
Before a drill · Make a “Ready Kit” for at least three days of self-sufficiency.
· Familiarize yourself with the terminology used to identify a tornado hazard.
A tornado watch means weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop.
A tornado warning means either a tornado is occurring, or expected to develop shortly in your area and you need to take shelter immediately.
· Determine in advance where you will take shelter during the tornado drill.
· Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.
· If underground shelter is not available, an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible is the best option.
· In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
During a drill
· Announce the start of the tornado drill and inform participants that they should act as though a tornado warning has been issued.
· Evacuate participants just as you would if you were taking shelter during a tornado warning. Use stairs to reach the lowest level of a building; avoid using elevators.
· Once participants reach the designated safe area, they should crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down and covering their heads with their hands.
· Once everyone has been evacuated and taken cover, announce that the drill is over.
After a drill
· Review the drill to identify any necessary changes or improvements to your tornado safety procedures. For example:
Do more safe areas need to be identified?
Do the designated safe areas need to have clutter removed or need to be cleaned out to be more accessible?
· Does everyone know the fastest routes to take shelter in the safe areas?
· Is there a better method for letting everyone know of an approaching tornado needed?
Information: www.gema.ga.gov
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