Columbus-Muscogee County Emergency Management and Homeland Security will join the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/HS and the National Weather Service in recognizing Thursday, November 4, as Georgia’s Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Day. This is a great opportunity for schools, businesses, and individuals to take part in a severe weather exercise/tornado drill around 9:30 a.m.  

“Many people think of the spring and summer months as the time we may see severe weather, but the threat of severe weather in the fall should not be overlooked,” said Director Chance Corbett. “We need to use this day to prepare our homes, schools, and businesses by reviewing our severe weather plans and knowing how we will react to the threat of severe weather. Knowing what to do during severe weather and even where you will seek shelter during a tornado warning is key to being prepared.”  

Climatology from the National Weather Service shows that parts of Georgia see a secondary peak in severe weather, including tornadoes, during the months of November and early December.  

Residents can prepare for severe weather by visiting the local emergency management website, www.columbusga.gov/emergency, downloading our local smartphone app, and visiting ready.gov for additional tips on emergency preparedness.  

Residents should also stay weather-aware by having multiple ways to receive alerts, knowing the difference between a watch and a warning, understanding the dangers of tornadoes and flash flooding, and knowing where to take shelter.  

As individuals and families prepare for this day, we encourage our schools and businesses to conduct severe weather exercises/tornado drills. Due to possible rain and overcast in the area, we do not plan to activate the outdoor warning sirens in Columbus for this drill; however, you may decide to initiate your tornado drill following the activation of a modified NOAA Weather Radio's Routine Weekly Test conducted by the National Weather Service, which should occur right at 9:30 a.m.  

To get the most out of your tornado drill, visit gema.georgia.gov/tornado-drill-procedures for tips on what to do before, during, and after the drill.  

As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state, and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provide Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit. “