Fulton County Kicks Off Severe Weather Preparedness Week
Fulton County Kicks Off Severe Weather Preparedness Week
February 03, 2025
The Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA), in partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and the National Weather Service, is launching Severe Weather Preparedness Week from February 3–7, 2025. This annual initiative encourages Fulton County residents to understand severe weather risks and take steps to safeguard their families, homes, and communities.
"Georgia experienced two major hurricanes, winter storms, and severe flooding last year, underscoring nature’s unpredictability,” said AFCEMA Director Joe Barasoian. “Severe Weather Preparedness Week is an opportunity for all of us to reflect, plan, and stay ready. By learning safety measures and reviewing emergency plans, we can make a significant difference when disaster strikes.”
Understanding Severe Weather Risks
Severe weather, including tornadoes, is most common in Fulton County between January and May. This week serves as a timely reminder for residents to review emergency plans and ensure they are prepared for weather-related hazards.
Throughout the week, AFCEMA will share preparedness information via social media and provide toolkits to local emergency management directors to distribute within their communities.
Daily Preparedness Themes
Each day of the campaign will focus on a specific weather-related threat:
· Monday, Feb. 3 – Family Preparedness & NOAA Weather Radio Day: Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio and establish an out-of-state contact in case of family separation.
· Tuesday, Feb. 4 – Thunderstorm Safety: Understand the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a thunderstorm warning.
· Wednesday, Feb. 5 – Tornado Safety (Statewide Drill at 9:30 a.m.): Identify a safe shelter location in advance. Participate in Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! statewide tornado drill at 9:30 a.m. More details at gema.georgia.gov/tornado-drill-procedures.
· Thursday, Feb. 6 – Lightning Safety: Follow the 30/30 rule—if thunder follows lightning within 30 seconds, seek shelter and stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
· Friday, Feb. 7 – Flash Flood & Flood Safety: Protect important documents by sealing them in watertight containers and adding them to your emergency Ready Kit.
Stay Informed & Prepared AFCEMA and GEMA offer valuable resources to help individuals, schools, and businesses prepare for severe weather emergencies. Visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia and follow @AFCEMA on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook for preparedness updates.
"Georgia experienced two major hurricanes, winter storms, and severe flooding last year, underscoring nature’s unpredictability,” said AFCEMA Director Joe Barasoian. “Severe Weather Preparedness Week is an opportunity for all of us to reflect, plan, and stay ready. By learning safety measures and reviewing emergency plans, we can make a significant difference when disaster strikes.”
Understanding Severe Weather Risks
Severe weather, including tornadoes, is most common in Fulton County between January and May. This week serves as a timely reminder for residents to review emergency plans and ensure they are prepared for weather-related hazards.
Throughout the week, AFCEMA will share preparedness information via social media and provide toolkits to local emergency management directors to distribute within their communities.
Daily Preparedness Themes
Each day of the campaign will focus on a specific weather-related threat:
· Monday, Feb. 3 – Family Preparedness & NOAA Weather Radio Day: Invest in a NOAA Weather Radio and establish an out-of-state contact in case of family separation.
· Tuesday, Feb. 4 – Thunderstorm Safety: Understand the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a thunderstorm warning.
· Wednesday, Feb. 5 – Tornado Safety (Statewide Drill at 9:30 a.m.): Identify a safe shelter location in advance. Participate in Ready Georgia’s PrepareAthon! statewide tornado drill at 9:30 a.m. More details at gema.georgia.gov/tornado-drill-procedures.
· Thursday, Feb. 6 – Lightning Safety: Follow the 30/30 rule—if thunder follows lightning within 30 seconds, seek shelter and stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
· Friday, Feb. 7 – Flash Flood & Flood Safety: Protect important documents by sealing them in watertight containers and adding them to your emergency Ready Kit.
Stay Informed & Prepared AFCEMA and GEMA offer valuable resources to help individuals, schools, and businesses prepare for severe weather emergencies. Visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia and follow @AFCEMA on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook for preparedness updates.