Severe weather can happen at anytime, and can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, such as damaging winds, tornadoes, hail, flooding and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds.All of these events highlight the need for emergency preparation.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) have the responsibility of coordinating Federal and State emergency events with state and local officials, and urging the public to prepare to stay safe. GEMA’s Ready Georgia, a statewide emergency preparedness campaign, offers tools that residents can use to create an emergency supply kit, develop a communications plan and stay informed about potential threats.

For more information, read the February issue of the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) Loss Control Bulletin. You can also find GEMA’s severe weather planning and safety tips at www.ready.ga.gov.