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.
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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.
