News 12 at 11, February 6, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga. --- It's Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia. We're on your side with some helpful hints to keep you and your family safe.

Pam Tucker, Director of Columbia County Emergency Services, stays busy this time of year in the Emergency Operations Center.

"We're in what's considered the tornado belt. The only two counties in the state of Georgia that have never had a tornado are Taliaferro and Glascock. All the rest of us have had tornadoes," Pam Tucker said.

And that's why this week is so important.

"Severe Weather Awareness Week on our part is to inform the public of what to look out for, what to do during severe weather," Chief Meteorologist, Bob Smith said.

Making sure you're ready when disaster strikes.

"The big deal that we always push is a plan. You need to have a plan. Because once a storm hits that's no time to plan. You don't have time for those plans," Smith said.

And we can help you make one, right now. You need to have a designated spot in your house to meet your family members. Go to the lowest and centermost part of your house. A basement is the safest place to go. Try to put as many walls between you and the tornado as possible. Cover your head with a blanket or pillow.

But what if your caught out on an open road with no building's near by? Tucker said the best thing to do is get out of your car and get into a low area and lie flat.

"You're better off outside in the storm than in that vehicle with a tornado or even a microburst wind that could blow you, toss you around in that car down the road," Tucker said.

Tucker said you've got to look for the signs: a greenish color in the sky, thunderstorms, and hail.

"These things are devastating. You can replace things, you can remove trees, you get over it. The thing is to keep your family safe. You don't want injuries and you sure don't want fatalities in these storms. And they are survivable if you follow the tips," Tucker said.