Severe Weather Preparedness Weekruns Feb. 3 through 7

***UPDATE: Due to forecasted inclement weather, this morning's statewide tornado drill has been cancelled. Stay tuned for a possible rescheduling of the drill.***

The Forsyth CountyEmergency Management Agency (EMA), in partnership with the Georgia EmergencyManagement and Homeland Security Agency, is encouraging all residents toparticipate in Severe Weather Preparedness Week, Feb. 3-7, to prepare for thepossibility of a disaster.

“Spring brings threats ofhigh winds, hail, lightning and severe weather,” said EMA Director Chris Grimes.“Having a plan in place before any emergency, such as a tornado or severeweather, is key and we hope that residents will take this time to create orupdate their family plans.”

Each day of the week willfocus on a different severe weather threat and how to prepare.

Monday, Feb. 3 – FamilyPreparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day

Tuesday, Feb. 4 –Thunderstorm Safety

Wednesday, Feb. 5 – TornadoSafety

Thursday, Feb. 6 –Lightning Safety

Friday, Feb. 7 – FloodSafety

Information and tips onhow to prepare for severe weather emergencies can be found throughout the weekon the county’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

On Wednesday, Feb. 5,Forsyth County will take part in a statewide tornado drill as part of SevereWeather Preparedness Week. At 9:15 a.m. the county’s outdoor severe weathersirens will sound. Please note the tornado drill will only be conducted in theevent of good weather, to avoid any confusion. For a list of siren locations,visit the EMA department web page at forsythco.com. ***UPDATE: Due to forecasted inclement weather, this morning's statewide tornado drill has been cancelled. Stay tuned for a possible rescheduling of the drill.***

“Severe weatherpreparedness week is also an optimal time to sign up for emergency alerts,”said Grimes.

Residents can elect toreceive the time-sensitive notifications via email, telephone call and/or textmessage. There is no cost to sign up to receive these alerts, but phone usageor text charges may apply.

The alerts are sent outfor three severe weather situations (severe thunderstorm warnings, flash floodwarnings and tornado warnings) as well as for emergency situations such aspublic safety issues or important water notifications from the Forsyth CountyWater and Sewer Department. To sign up, click on the 'Emergency & WeatherAlerts' icon on the county's website, forsythco.com. For questions regardingthe emergency and weather alerts, contact Forsyth County EMA at (770) 205-5674or alerts@forsythco.com.

Another valuable tool forresidents is the Ready Georgia mobile app. This free app provides mobile accessto a variety of emergency preparedness tools. For more information about SevereWeather Preparedness Week and emergency preparedness, contact the EMA atEMA@forsythco.com or call (770) 205-5674.