Fannin County Emergency Management Agency Urges Fannin Residents to Get Ready for Severe Weather

Blue Ridge – From tornadoes to lightning to floods, Fannin County is susceptible to a variety of natural disasters. Severe weather is dangerous and can strike with very little warning, which is why it’s important to get ready in advance. Severe Weather Preparedness Week runs from February 2 – 6, and it’s a great time to make sure you and your family are prepared.
Each day during Severe Weather Preparedness Week focuses on a different type of threat faced by Georgians. Fannin County Emergency Management Agency encourages all residents to take a few minutes to learn about how to deal with each emergency.

“In an emergency, first responders may not be able to reach you immediately, basic services may be cut off, or you may be unable to leave home for several days,” said Robert Graham, Director of Fannin County EMA. “I encourage everyone to take a few minutes each day to think about how you would deal with each potential threat and to assess your level of preparedness.”

The week’s activities begin with Family Preparedness Day on Feb. 2, when Fannin County households are encouraged to program their NOAA Weather Radios. All of the following days focus on a different threat and how to get prepared.

Monday, Feb. 2 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day
Tuesday, Feb. 3 – Thunderstorm Safety
Wednesday, Feb. 4 – Tornado Safety and PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Lightning Safety
Friday, Feb. 6 – Flood Safety (alternate PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety)

On Wednesday, when tornado safety is emphasized, residents, schools and businesses statewide are encouraged to participate in Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! For Tornado Safety, a statewide tornado drill.

Another valuable tool for Fannin County residents is the Ready Georgia smartphone app. This free app, available for both iPhone and Android devices, provides mobile access to a variety of emergency preparedness tools. For more information about Severe Weather Preparedness Week and events occurring locally, contact [email protected] or call 706-632-1958.

About Ready Georgia
Ready Georgia is a statewide campaign designed to educate and empower Georgians to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, potential terrorist attacks and other large-scale emergencies. The campaign is a project of GEMA/Homeland Security and provides a local dimension to Ready America, a broader national campaign. Ready Georgia aims to prepare citizens for maintaining self-sufficiency for at least 72 hours following an emergency, and uses an interactive website, free mobile app, broadcast and print advertising and public awareness media messaging to reach its audiences. Ready Georgia is also on Facebook and YouTube.