'Take Time Now to Prepare': Barrow to Observe Severe Weather Awareness Week

With the January winter storm that brought much of Barrow County to a standstill likely still fresh in residents’ minds, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency is hoping to encourage families to get prepared for severe weather emergencies.

The organization has designated this week week Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia.

During the Barrow County Board of Commissioners’ meeting Jan. 26, Chairman Daniel Yearwood introduced a proclamation recognizing Barrow County’s participation in the week’s efforts.

 “Take time now to prepare for the extreme weather the rest of the year can bring,” said Charley English, director of GEMA/Homeland Security. “Tornadoes, storms and floods can devastate our communities, but devastation can be minimized if we’re prepared.”

GEMA’s Ready Georgia campaign— a statewide effort to educate and encourage residents to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, pandemic outbreaks, potential terrorist attacks and other large-scale emergencies — is available to assist residents in preparing for natural disasters.

"By preparing for one emergency, you are actually arming yourself against many types of disasters," English said. “Our goal is for all residents to be their own first responders and to be able to help others in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.”