Dawson Times

http://www.dawsontimes.com/news30534/1_10/dawson-county-participates-in-georgia-severe-weath.shtml

Dawson County Participates in Georgia Severe Weather Awareness Week

Georgia averages around six tornadoes each year, usually occurring between March and May. Tornadoes can produce wind speeds of over 250 miles per hour and can damage a path more than a mile wide and 50 miles in length...

In observation of Severe Weather Awareness Week, February 3 - 9, 2008, Dawson County will participate in the statewide tornado drill on Friday, February 8.  A test tornado warning will be issued around 9:10 am on NOAA Weather Radio.

Georgia averages around six tornadoes each year, usually occurring between March and May. Tornadoes can produce wind speeds of over 250 miles per hour and can damage a path more than a mile wide and 50 miles in length. Tornadoes occur most often between the hours of 3:00pm and 9:00pm.

Dawson County Emergency Management Director Billy Thurmond urges citizens to keep these GEMA tornado safety tips in mind:

· Monitor radio, NOAA Weather Radio or television for the latest updates and EAS messages.
· If a warning is issued or a tornado is imminent, move to a shelter such as a basement or interior hallway.
· If outside, seek shelter in a safe building, ditch or low area.
· Do not remain in, or take shelter in, mobile homes.
· Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle or remain in a vehicle during a tornado – take shelter in a ditch or low area.
Protect your family. Have a safety plan of action before threatening weather develops.

For more information contact Dawson County Emergency Services at 706-344-3666 or visit www.dawsoncounty.org  or www.gema.state.ga.us.