ATLANTA — November 5 is Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Day in Georgia. Severe weather can strike at any time. While the weather is quiet, it is a great time to prepare yourself and your family for severe storms. GEMA and the National Weather Service took time today to help businesses and schools prepare for tornadoes.
“While hurricane season may be ending, it’s important for our residents to stay prepared for other severe weather events,” said GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings. “Late fall and early winter often bring an increase in severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, making now the ideal time for Georgians to ensure they and their families are ready and informed on how to stay safe in an emergency.”
Tornadoes, high winds, and flooding are always threats to severe weather in the southeast. Many of the storms that happen during the fall are overnight. Daylight savings plays a large role in the late evening/overnight storms.
Most people do not expect severe weather to happen during the fall season. We have several months of quiet weather. However, the weather in November and December could produce strong to severe weather. So, how can you prepare?
Make a plan
Talk to your children and loved ones about where they should go during severe weather. Practice severe weather drills in your home so that your family is prepared when severe weather strikes.
Make a kit
Power outages are always possible. Make a kit in advance for basic emergency supplies. Here's a list of items that could go inside of your emergency kit.
Have multiple ways to communicate.
Don't depend on your mobile device during severe weather. It is a great idea to have a weather radio and extra batteries. If you lose power or your phone dies, the weather radio will provide an additional way to get weather alerts.
Dave Nadler, with the National Weather Service, says, "It's good to go over these things several times a year."
To see the entire interview with Dave Nadler, download our free 11 Alive Plus app on your streaming device.