Severe Weather Preparedness Week runs Feb. 4 through 8

The Forsyth CountyEmergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Georgia EmergencyManagement and Homeland Security Agency, is encouraging all residents toparticipate in Severe Weather Preparedness Week, Feb. 4-8, to prepare for thepossibility of a disaster.

“I urge all of ourresidents to take this time now to prepare when there are not any severeweather events,” said EMADirector Chris Grimes. “Having a plan in place before any emergency is key andwe hope that residents will take this time to create or update their familyplans.”

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

Monday, Feb. 4 – FamilyPreparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day

Tuesday, Feb. 5 –Thunderstorm Safety

Wednesday, Feb. 6 –Tornado Safety and PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety

Thursday, Feb. 7 –Lightning Safety

Friday, Feb. 8 – 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. 6,Forsyth County will take part in a statewide tornado drill as part of SevereWeather Preparedness Week. At 9:10 a.m. the county’s outdoor severe weathersirens will sound. Please note the tornado drill will only be conducted in theevent of good weather, so as to avoid any confusion. For a list of sirenlocations, visit the EMA department web page at forsythco.com.

“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. Sign up today at forsythco.com (look for the‘Emergency & Weather Alerts’ icon on the home page). For questionsregarding the emergency and weather alerts, contact the Forsyth County EmergencyManagement Agency office at (770) 205-5674 or 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.