Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Alabama: February 18-23, 2018

February 18-23, 2018 has been proclaimed the Alabama Severe Weather Awareness Week by Alabama Governor, Kay Ivey.

The purpose of Severe Weather Awareness Week is to provide people with the knowledge necessary to protect their lives when severe weather threatens.

Whether in the form of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes or flash floods, severe weather can develop very quickly. Once a tornado approaches or flooding develops it is too late to start working on a preparedness plan. When severe weather develops and warnings are issued you must take immediate action to protect yourself and others.

So how does one prepare for severe weather? For a severe weather preparedness plan to be successful, it must include the following:

KNOWLEDGE  of terminology (such as watches and warnings)
KNOWLEDGE  of safety rules when severe weather strikes
RELIABLE  method of receiving emergency information
DESIGNATION  of an appropriate shelter
DRILLS  to test the plan

For an electronic version of the Alabama All Hazards Awareness Booklet click here.

 

Tornado Safety Drill — Wednesday, February 21
In Alabama, we do not conduct a statewide tornado drill. However, we encourage everyone to conduct their own safety drill on Wednesday, February 21. This “tornado safety drill” will be accomplished in conjunction with our weekly NOAA All-Hazards Radio Test that will be run at a special time around 9:10 AM. An actual tornado warning WILL NOT sound, but this is an excellent opportunity for schools, civic organizations and businesses in southwest and south central Alabama to practice what they would do in the event of a tornado warning.

Severe Weather Awareness Week Schedule

Monday 19th

Tuesday 20th

Wednesday 21st

Thursday 22nd

Friday 23rd

Thunderstorms

Lightning

Foley Tornado

Flooding

NOAA Weather Radio Icon

Severe
Thunderstorms

Flooding & Flash Flooding

Tornado Safety

Lightning

Weather
Alerts

 

Alabama Sales Tax Holiday:  February 23-25, 2018
To end the week, the State of Alabama will host a sales tax holiday for preparedness items. Check to make sure your emergency kit is complete and use this opportunity to purchase any missing items. For further details pertaining to what items are included in the sales tax holiday, check this comprehensive list.