To help residents prepare for the possibility of a disaster, the Forsyth County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), in partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and the National Weather Service, is encouraging all residents to participate in Severe Weather Preparedness Week, Feb. 5-9.

“As we transition into spring, we face an increased risk of damaging winds, floods, thunderstorms and tornadoes. Having a plan and gathering supplies well in advance buys precious time when seconds count,” said Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Cisco. “We urge residents to take time this week to create new or update any existing family emergency plans.”

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

Monday, Feb. 5 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio and Wireless Emergency Alerts

Tuesday, Feb. 6 – Thunderstorm Safety

Wednesday, Feb. 7 – Tornado Safety

Thursday, Feb. 8 – Lightning Safety

Friday, Feb. 9 – Flood Safety

Information and tips on how to prepare for severe weather emergencies such as tornadoes, floods and thunderstorms can be found throughout the week on Forsyth County EMA’s Facebook page and the County’s Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

At 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, Forsyth County will take part in a statewide tornado drill as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week. The County’s outdoor severe weather sirens will sound to help trigger schools, businesses and other groups to practice their severe weather and tornado safety actions and procedures.

Please note the tornado drill will only be conducted in the event of good weather, to avoid any confusion. If the test is postponed, the backup date is Friday, Feb. 9. For a list of siren locations, visit the EMA department webpage at forsythco.com.

“Severe Weather Preparedness Week also gives Forsyth County residents the perfect opportunity to sign up for Alert Forsyth, our new emergency notification system,” said Cisco.

Residents can elect their preferred delivery method(s) (text, call, email), the times they wish to receive alerts and the kind of weather alerts they want to receive. There is no cost to sign up to receive these alerts, but phone usage or text charges may apply.

Alerts are sent out in severe weather situations as well as by public safety and Forsyth County departments for emergency situations. To sign up, click here.

For more information about Severe Weather Preparedness Week and emergency preparedness, contact Forsyth County EMA at EMA@forsythco.com.