Wednesday, March 12, 2025–10:15 a.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
This weekend, we are at an increased risk for severe weather and even strong tornadoes, so now is the time to prepare.
According to Chris Fincher with Floyd County Emergency Management, three waves of storms are coming in.
“The second wave has got potential, and that is Friday into Saturday,” he sai.d “However, what they are calling ‘the big show’ is going to be Saturday into Sunday. That is the one that has the most potential. We’ve already put a call out to our volunteers to let them know what’s happening and to ask them to be ready, trying to take some proactive stances so that we can help the fire department and to go out with them as they are responding. Instead of an engine company standing by at a power line, we can do that until Georgia Power comes.”
Fincher stressed that due to the volume of calls and other issues, such as trees blocking the roads, emergency response times can increase following a storm. That’s why EMA is pushing the message “Be a hero” by making sure that everyone you know is aware of the severe weather potential and that they are prepared.
“Talking about some injuries that may occur during a storm—some of the bigger injuries we see during weather events like this are blunt force trauma, punctures and lacerations,” Fincher said. “So, now is the time to go out and get a bicycle helmet to protect against injuries from the shoulders up, and it is something you can wear while sheltering in place–he innermost part of the house; the basement is preferred if you have that.”
It’s also a good idea to download the CodeRed app to receive severe weather alerts on your phone.
Make a kit
Make your own Ready kit with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life.
Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, seniors, or family members with special needs. Add those items to your kit and start packing it today.
Recommended Items
- Water. One gallon per person per day, for at least 3 days, for drinking and hygiene
- Food. At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food
- Can opener. For food, if kit contains canned food
- Radio. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Emergency charger for mobile devices
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle. To signal for help
- Face mask. To help filter contaminated air use plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
- Disinfectant wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties. For personal hygiene
- Wrench or pliers. To turn off utilities
- Local maps
Additional Items
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food, extra water, pet supplies, toys, and vaccination forms
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Cash or traveler’s checks and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider adding bedding in cold weather.
- Complete change of clothing. Include a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Consider adding clothing in cold weather.
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
For a list of community preparedness resources, view Ready Georgia Online Toolkit. And is your business ready? Download Adobe Reader to view the PDF file. View the American Sign Language video on general emergency preparedness at Accessible Emergency Info’s YouTube channel. In addition to creating a Ready kit, it is important to stay informed.
