Bartow Officials Share Winter Weather Preparedness Tips

CARTERSVILLE, GA — The Bartow County Fire Department Emergency Management Division and Homeland Security Agency’s Ready Georgia campaign is using this week to encourage residents to prepare for possible inclement weather emergencies this winter.

This week is a "great time" for residents and businesses to prepare for potential winter weather hazards, said Bartow Fire Chief and EMA Director Craig Millsap.

"Since winter weather can be unpredictable, we’re providing this information on winter weather preparation to help residents plan properly," he added.

Winter Weather Preparedness Week, which runs Dec. 3-7, was created to raise awareness of hazards and reinforce understanding of winter weather terminology. Throughout the week, the Bartow County Fire Department and Georgia Emergency Management Agency will provide information to assist Georgians prepare for winter weather.

Each day of the campaign concentrates on a separate aspect of winter weather preparation. The focus for each day is as follows:

• Monday, Dec. 3: Winter Weather in Georgia – Encourage residents to prepare for winter weather by following preparedness tips posted by the County EMA and GEMA/HS.
• Tuesday, Dec. 4: Winter Weather Terminology -- learn about winter weather alerts (watches, warnings and advisories) and what they all mean.
• Wednesday, Dec. 5: Winter Weather Preparation Tips -- learn how to best prepare for winter weather events and put together a Ready kit before winter weather strikes.
• Thursday, Dec. 6: Winter Weather Driving Tips/Safety -- learn best practices for driving (if necessary) in winter weather conditions and how to pack a mobile Ready Kit.
• Friday, Dec. 7: Winter Weather Outlook for 2018-19 season – learn where and how to stay informed of weather forecasts.

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In addition to the preparedness tips provided during Winter Weather Preparedness Week, the following information is helpful in keeping your family prepared:

-Prepare a Ready kit of emergency supplies for your home. Include at least a three-day supply of
nonperishable food and water, a flashlight with extra batteries, a NOAA Weather Radio, adequate
clothing and blankets to keep you warm, as well as additional supplies for the unique needs of your family, such as medication or pet Ready kits.

-Keep an extra Ready kit in the trunk of your car. In addition to the basic essentials listed above,
consider adding a portable cell phone charger, ice scraper, extra blanket, sand for traction and
jumper cables.

-Create an emergency communication plan so family members will know who to contact if
separated during a storm. Designate at least one out-of-town contact. Determine a way to let family and friends know you’re OK if the power goes out. Create a customized plan for your family using the Ready Georgia website or mobile app.

Families can visit the Ready Georgia website to learn how to prepare for emergencies, create family communications plans and more. To learn about specific risks in your area, contact the Bartow County Emergency Management Division at (770) 387-5089.

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