UPDATE: Due to inclement weather, the statewide tornado drill scheduled for Wednesday, February 7 has been postponed until Friday, February 9 at 9:15 a.m.
Severe weather events such as tornadoes, floods and thunderstorms can happen in just moments with the power to devastate communities, homes and families. To help residents prepare for the possibility of a disaster, the Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is encouraging residents to participate in Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs from February 5 to 9.
“Taking time to put a family severe weather response plan in place and practicing emergency response procedures could be life-saving should a natural disaster strike,” said EMA Director and Fire Chief Danny Bowman. “I encourage our residents to learn how they and their families will deal with each potential disaster.”
Each day during Severe Weather Preparedness Week will focus on a different severe weather threat faced by Georgians. Severe Weather Preparedness Week begins with Family Preparedness Day on Monday, February 5, when Forsyth County households are encouraged to program their NOAA Weather Radios. All of the following days focus on a different threat and how to prepare.
Monday, Feb. 5 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day
Tuesday, Feb. 6 – Thunderstorm Safety
Wednesday, Feb. 7 – Tornado Safety and PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety
Thursday, Feb. 8 – Lightning Safety
Friday, Feb. 9 – Flood Safety
On Wednesday, February 7 Forsyth County will take part in a statewide tornado drill as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week. At 9:15 a.m. all of the county’s outdoor severe weather sirens will sound. Please note the tornado drill will only be conducted in the event of good weather, so as to avoid any confusion. For a list of siren locations, visit the EMA department web page at forsythco.com.
“One way Forsyth County residents can be better prepared for a severe weather event is by signing up for emergency alerts,” Forsyth County EMA Deputy Director Chris Grimes said. “Our goal with these alerts is to get the right information out to residents as quickly as possible to help ensure their safety.”
Residents may elect to receive time-sensitive emergency and weather alerts from Forsyth County via email, telephone call and/or text message. The three severe weather events for which alerts will be sent are severe thunderstorm warnings, flash flood warnings and tornado warnings. There is no cost for residents to sign up to receive these alerts, but phone usage or text charges may apply. To sign up, click on the ‘Emergency & Weather Alerts’ icon at forsythco.com or text SWIFT911 to 99538 to download the free Swift 911 mobile app.
Another valuable tool for residents is the Ready Georgia mobile app. This free app provides mobile access to a variety of emergency preparedness tools. For more information about Severe Weather Preparedness Week and emergency preparedness, contact the EMA at EMA@forsythco.com or call (770) 205-5674.