This NOAA satellite image taken Monday, Dec. 24, 2012 at 01:45 AM EST shows a low pressure system over eastern Canada with a cold front stretching across the central Atlantic Ocean. A low pressure system is moving across the Mississippi Valley into the southeastern United States with areas of rain and scattered thunderstorms. Father north, snow showers are seen over the Mid-West. (AP PHOTO/WEATHER UNDERGROUND)
Georgia Severe Weather Awareness Week continues today, with the focus shifting to thunderstorm safety.
“What we all need to concentrate on is being aware of incoming weather, especially around here, since you never know what we’re getting,” Herrington said.
Once a thunderstorm hits your area, Herrington advises practicing the 30/30 rule. Seek shelter if you hear thunder within the first 30 seconds of seeing lightning and remain there until 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
Suitable shelters from storms include homes, businesses and hard top automobiles.
Herrington advises to stay away from trees during a thunderstorm, especially ones that are older or might be weak due to recent droughts. If possible, have trees that are close to your residence cut down and secure outdoor objects that might fly away or cause property damage, he added.
“Old trees should be removed since they are not going to take a lot of heavy wind,” Herrington said.
Ways to keep up with threatening weather include NOAA weather radios and the free Code Red Weather Warning system, which calls all registered phone numbers within an area under a severe weather warning.
Herrington said local residents can apply for the Code Red Weather Warning system either online through the county and city’s government website, www.romefloyd.com, or by calling the Floyd County Emergency Management Agency at 706-236-5002.
For more information on thunderstorm preparedness, visit the Georgia Emergency Management Agency website at www.ready.ga.gov.
THIS WEEK
The Rome News-Tribune will be spotlighting emergency preparedness tips each day in conjunction with Severe Weather Awareness Week. Here’s what’s coming:
Sunday: Severe Weather Awareness Week
Monday: Family preparedness
Today: Thunderstorm safety
Wednesday: Tornado drill
Thursday: Lightning safety
Friday: Flood safety
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