March marks the start of Georgia’s active tornado season, and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Office of Homeland Security is encouraging all residents to prepare for some of nature’s most violent storms by turning to its Ready Georgia campaign, the state’s initiative to help Georgians get ready for potential disasters.

In 2009, more than 50 tornadoes touched down in Georgia, wreaking havoc in communities across the state and landing Georgia as a top five state for tornado activity. These violent rotating columns of air are the most destructive of all atmospheric phenomena on a local level and are blamed an average of 80 deaths and more than 1,500 injuries every year in the U.S.

“While tornadoes have occurred in every month of the year here in Georgia, March through May are the most active months,” said Charley English, director of GEMA/ Homeland Security. “Tornadoes are dangerously unpredictable, so it’s critical to know in advance what to do and where to take shelter.”

Tornadoes are generally produced by thunderstorms and can be generated hundreds of miles inland by hurricanes and tropical storms up to a day after they make landfall. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long, and tornadoes typically move from southwest to northeast at an average forward speed of 30 mph.

Though tornadoes may threaten without warning, planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival. Ready Georgia offers this information to help you prepare, plan and stay informed about tornadoes:

P repare for a T ornado

l Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify tornado hazards: a tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area; a tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted in your area, and you need to take shelter immediately.

l Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning.

l Prepare a ready kit of emergency supplies, including a first aid kit, NOAA weather radio, and a threeday supply of food and water.

Plan to Take Shelter

l If local authorities issue a tornado warning or if you see a funnel cloud, take shelter immediately.

l Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection.

l If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.

l In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.

l Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris.

l A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation if possible.

l If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

l Stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.

Stay Informed

l Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to your NOAA weather radio, watch television, listen to the radio, or check the internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

l After a tornado, be sure to remain out of damaged buildings and stay clear of downed power lines.

l Help injured or trapped people. Check on others who may require special assistance, such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.

For more information, contact the Washington EMA at 706-678-7422, or call GEMA at 800-TRY-GEMA. For a full list of ready kit items and to create a custom emergency plan, turn to Ready Georgia at www.ready. ga.gov, find Ready Georgia on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Ready- GA or on YouTube at www.youtube. com/ReadyGAfromGEMA.