Free weather radio programming event

By Angie Thompson/senior reporter

TIFTON May 16, 2008 09:10 pm

— This is peak tornado season and the Tift County Emergency Management Agency is offering another free weather radio programming event from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. today at Harvey’s Supermarket on U.S. Highway 41 S.
Vickie Hickman, deputy EMA director, and other volunteers held a similar event earlier this year and approximately 230 people either purchased radios or brought in their radios to have them programmed that day. Harvey’s has some Midland weather radios that will be available for purchase today for approximately $30.
Scott Bowers, EMA and E-911 director, said the money could be the best a family ever spends.
“We are in the peak tornado weather season, but realistically, in this part of the state, tornadoes happen year round,” Bowers said. “The radios give people a head’s up.”
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 834 tornadoes have been identified nationally so far this season.
“Tornadoes are so unpredictable and fast-moving,” Bowers said. “Any advance warning and planning could mean the difference.”
Bowers said people should be aware of their environment and take preventative measures to lessen the change of injury should a tornado or high winds strike. Objects outside such as dead or hanging tree limbs, toys and lawn furniture can become dangerous projectiles when lifted and carried by winds. Bowers suggests family also plan an escape route and plan to have another safe shelter they can go to in case of bad weather.
“If you live in a mobile home, have plans in place to go to another location,” Bowers said. “If you stay in your home, stay away from windows and, if you don’t have a basement, get into the center most part of your house to give yourself a buffer from debris that might penetrate a window or an outer wall.”
Bowers advises those who are in vehicles at the time of dangerous weather to attempt to seek shelter in a sturdy building or a low-lying area, such as a ditch.
Bowers also advises everyone to have a disaster supply kit stocked with enough supplies for three days and three people. Suggested items to have in the kit are: one gallon of water per person for three days; non-perishable food; a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio; a flashlight and extra batteries; a first aid kit; a whistle for each person to use in case they are trapped and need to signal emergency personnel; local maps; a can opener; and a wrench or pliers to use to turn off utilities if needed.

To contact senior reporter Angie Thompson, call 382-4321.