Tornado Preparedness and Safety Alert for Western Georgia

ATLANTA — On Friday afternoon, the risk level for tornado activity in western Georgia, covering Cobb, Douglas, Bartow, and Coweta counties, was raised to level 4, indicating a very high probability of strong winds and tornadoes. Meanwhile, the rest of North Georgia is under a level 3 threat for severe storms, which still presents significant concerns.

Rain is anticipated on Saturday morning, but severe weather isn’t expected to hit until Saturday night, giving residents some vital time to prepare. It’s essential to understand the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning.

Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning: Important Distinctions

Tornado Watch — This alert indicates that conditions are ideal for a tornado to develop. If a watch is in effect, remain vigilant, review your emergency plan, and be prepared to act swiftly.

Tornado Warning — This warning indicates a tornado has been sighted or detected via radar. When a warning is issued, promptly seek shelter in a secure location.

Knowing your precise location is also critical. Be familiar with your county and capable of finding your home on a map. Tornado warnings are issued by county, and meteorologists will also refer to towns, cities, and major landmarks.

Here are several proactive measures you can take to get ready before a tornado occurs.

Proactive Tornado Preparation Tips * Devise an Emergency Plan — Craft a family tornado response strategy that specifies shelter locations and communication methods if separated. * Select a Safe Shelter — Identify a storm shelter, basement, or interior room on the lowest floor without windows. * Assemble an Emergency Kit — Prepare a kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, and crucial documents. * Enroll in Alerts — Subscribe to emergency weather notifications through the STORM TEAM weather app, NOAA weather radio or FEMA mobile apps. If you typically silence your phone at night, keep it audible! * Secure Outdoor Items — Bring in or tie down loose items like patio furniture, grills, and decorations that might become projectiles in strong winds. * Fortify Your Home — Install storm shutters, strengthen garage doors, and ensure your roof can endure high winds. * Know Evacuation Paths — If you’re in a mobile home or storm-prone area, locate the nearest sturdy shelter and plan a quick path to get there. * Teach Family Emergency Skills — Train family members in basic first aid, utility shutoffs, and fire extinguisher usage. * Get Ready for Pets — Pack a pet emergency kit with essentials like food, water, a carrier, and vaccination records. * Prepare Livestock/Ongoing Animals — Offer a solid, wind-resistant barn or shelter, cut power to structures, secure loose items, strengthen fences and gates, and tag livestock or use livestock-friendly paint for contact information. * Rehearse Drills — Conduct tornado drills at home and work to ensure everyone knows where to go and how to respond when a tornado warning is issued.

At least one county has currently opened emergency shelters. We will update this article if additional shelters become available.

Emergency Shelters

DeKalb County From 8 p.m. Saturday, DeKalb County will open four severe weather centers for those seeking refuge. * Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Road, Atlanta, 30316 * North DeKalb Senior/Community Center, 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee, 30341 * Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur, 30033 * Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, 30034

Carroll County A temporary storm shelter will operate in the Sheriff’s Office Training Room at 997 Newnan Road (formerly West Georgia Technical College). Hours are 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. March 15-16. Seating will be provided, but there won’t be cots or bedding, and the building lacks a generator. Pets must be in carriers, and those relying on medical devices may seek shelter at any Tanner Medical Center, including Carrollton, Bremen, Villa Rica, or Wedowee locations.

Coweta County Change Church on Broad Street in Grantville will open its basement at 8 p.m. Saturday for individuals needing refuge, as advised by Grantville police. Bring essentials like flashlights, snacks, pillows, and blankets.

Pickens County A tornado shelter will be accessible in the basement of the Pickens County Administration building at 1266 East Church Street in Jasper if a tornado watch is enacted. Announcements of the watch and shelter opening will be posted on Facebook, staying available until the danger subsides.

Should a tornado impact your area, these are the actions you should take afterward.

Post-Tornado Actions * Check for Injuries — Inspect yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid when needed and call 911 for severe medical cases. * Keep Updated on Weather Alerts — Stay tuned to local news, NOAA Weather Radio, or emergency alerts for information on further storms or dangers. * Steer Clear of Damaged Buildings — Avoid entering damaged buildings until officials declare them safe. Tornadoes can undermine foundations and create hidden dangers like gas leaks or electrical risks. * Stay Alert for Hazards — Watch for downed power lines, shattered glass, protruding nails, and unstable debris. Wear durable shoes and gloves when traversing affected areas. * Turn Off Utilities as Required — Smell gas? Suspect a leak? Shut off the main gas valve, open windows, and evacuate. Turn off electricity if wiring is damaged or water breaches the area. * Check on Family and Neighbors — Reach out to family and neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled, to confirm their safety. * Document Damage for Insurance — Photograph and video property damage before making temporary repairs. This documentation will aid insurance claims. * Report Hazards and Damage — Inform local authorities about downed power lines, gas leaks, or hazardous conditions. * Exercise Caution with Food and Water — With power out, avoid perishable food left unrefrigerated for over four hours. Verify tap water safety with officials before use. * Seek Disaster Assistance If Necessary — Contact local emergency agencies, FEMA, or the Red Cross for shelter, supplies, and aid if displacement causes hardship.

The Source

• This information was derived from the National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross, U.S. Department of Agriculture Livestock Safety Guidelines, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and FOX 5 Atlanta meteorologists.