FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017
CLANTON – The Alabama Emergency Agency and the National Weather Service office in Birmingham are observing November 12-17 as Winter Weather Preparedness Week. During this week, Alabama residents are encouraged to prepare for severe winter weather by understanding winter weather products, making a preparedness plan and learning how to winterize their home.
“It is important for Alabamians to recognize severe winter weather as a real hazard in the state,” EMA Director Brian Hastings said. “Now is a great time for residents to use the tools provided during Winter Weather Awareness Week to educate their families and winterize homes and prepare vehicles prior to the impact of a winter storm.”
Winter Weather Preparedness Week focuses on a different preparedness topic each day. The National Weather Service is urging residents to learn about different ways to be prepared.
- Sunday, Nov. 12: Introduction to Winter Weather Awareness Week
- Monday, Nov. 13: Preparedness: The “S” word
- Tuesday, Nov. 14: Winter Weather Products
- Wednesday, Nov. 15: Winter Precipitation Types/Difficulty of forecasting
- Thursday, Nov. 16: Wind Chill
- Friday, Nov. 17: 4 Ps (People, Plants, Pets, Pipes); indoor safety (Fire safety/Carbon Monoxide hazard)
“The NWS conducts pre-season awareness weeks as a way to remind citizens of the potential hazards they may have to face, and encourages everyone to use this reminder to be prepared for the hazards of the season,” NWS Meteorologist-In-Charge John DeBlock said. “Winter weather can be especially challenging here in Central Alabama since it is an infrequent hazard, yet every winter weather event has the potential to be a high impact event. Being prepared and staying informed is the best way to keep you and your family safe through whatever weather the winter may bring.”
One of the most important preparedness steps Alabamians can take is to put together an emergency preparedness kit with a three-day supply of food, water and other critical supplies. In addition, putting together a preparedness kit for vehicles that includes a car charger, ice scraper, jumper cables and blankets.
It’s also important to stay weather-aware by monitoring the news for potential storms, as well as the National Weather Service in your area for the latest forecast information. For more information on Winter Weather Awareness Week 2017.
AEMA will host its annual winter weather exercise on Wednesday November 15th from 8:00 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. The exercise will take in place in Clanton on the EOC floor with state agency partners and the National Weather Service. This exercise is designed to test the state’s capability to respond to a long-term winter weather event impacting several counties.
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For more information about Alabama EMA or about being prepared visit http://www.ema.alabama.gov or follow the agency on twitter @AlabamaEMA.