Post by SKYSUMMIT on Feb 3, 2009 13:42:10 GMT -6
MISSISSIPPI SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK
February 9-13, 2009
Mississippi Governor, Haley Barbour, along with the National Weather Service, have proclaimed the week of February 9th through 13th, 2009, as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Mississippi.
The National Weather Service and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency are again asking for your help in spreading information to the public about the threat of severe weather and the life-saving measures to be taken when severe weather occurs.
Severe weather watches and warnings are ineffective if the public does not receive the message or is not knowledgeable of the safety procedures to follow. The purpose of Mississippi 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, we must take immediate action to protect ourselves. Preparing for severe weather is the theme of this program.
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,
* a thorough knowledge of safety rules to follow when severe weather strikes,
* a reliable method of receiving emergency information,
* the designation of an appropriate shelter,
* and drills to test the plan.
The National Weather Service will conduct a tornado drill this year during Severe Weather Awareness week using the Routine Weekly Test through NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards. We would strongly encourage local Emergency Managers, School Officials, Businesses, and Home Owners to participate in this drill. The best way to learn what to do when severe weather approaches is to practice when the weather is not threatening.
You are also invited to contact the National Weather Service for interviews, information, or answers to any questions you may have. In many instances, we are also able to present severe weather awareness programs to civic and industrial organizations, schools, amateur radio clubs, and hospital staffs.
For more information, contact any of the following:
* Stephen Wilkinson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist
National Weather Service Office Jackson, MS
601-965-4638 ext 223
* Alan Gerard, Meteorologist-In-Charge
National Weather Service Office in Jackson, MS
601-965-4638 ext 222
* Greg Flynn
MEMA External Affairs
601-933-6652
