Tornado Season 2011 Underway in Georgia

Monday's (Feb. 28) storm and tornado warning reminds us that we are not immune to tornadoes. In recent years tornadoes have delivered death and destruction to Georgia. In March 2008, the first tornado in Georgia’s history touched down in downtown Atlanta. Hurricane Katrina brought 18 tornadoes to Georgia in 2005, the most tornadoes ever reported in a single day in August.  

Severe storms struck a Buford community on Nov. 30, 2010, and spawned an EF-2 tornado that packed winds of 130 mph and devastated a neighborhood causing more than $5 million in damages. Dozens of buildings, trees and power lines were damaged, leaving at least 1,500 without power.

March 1 marks the start of tornado season in Georgia. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency urges residents to be prepared for the threat of tornadoes. 

“Tornadoes are a real threat in Georgia, no matter where in the state you live,” said Charley English, Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)/Homeland Security director. 

Tornadoes cause the most damage when they touch the ground and are usually not on the ground more than 20 minutes. A single tornado can touch the ground in several areas, however, turning harmless objects into deadly and damaging projectiles due to the strength of the winds.

GEMA’s Ready Georgia campaign website www.ready.ga.gov offers residents an online tool to generate a custom checklist and family communications plan. The site also offers the following tips to help residents prepare, plan and stay informed about tornadoes:
 
Prepare for a Tornado

• Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify tornado hazards: a tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area; a tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted in your area, and you need to take shelter immediately.
• Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning.
• Prepare a Ready kit of emergency supplies, including a first aid kit, NOAA Weather Radio and a three-day supply of food and water.
• When severe weather threatens, the National Weather Service (NWS) uses EMNet, a satellite-based emergency messaging system, to activate the Emergency Alert System (EAS), a national public warning system that requires broadcasters to deliver important information to the public. GEMA broadcasts these feeds to local emergency management agencies, which in turn activate their local warning systems. When developing local emergency plans, each county determines the best alert for residents (sirens, reverse telephone notifications or email alerts). However, no warning method is perfect, so relying on a NOAA Weather radio can be your best defense.

Plan to Take Shelter

• If local authorities issue a tornado warning or if you see a funnel cloud, take shelter immediately.
• Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.
• If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
• In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
• Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.
• A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible.
• If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.
• Stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.

Stay Informed about Tornadoes

• Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.
• After a tornado, be sure to remain out of damaged buildings and stay clear of downed power lines.
• Help injured or trapped people. Check on others who may require special assistance, such as the elderly, children and people with disabilities.

For more information on preparing for severe weather, contact your local EMA or visit www.ready.ga.gov or www.gema.ga.gov.