Tennessee Severe Weather Awareness Week set for February 18-24, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 16, 2007
CONTACT: AMANDA SLUSS
615.880.2962 (OFFICE)
615.533.0978 (CELL)
NASHVILLE -- When you think of spring, most people associate this time of year with warmer weather and blooming flowers. Unfortunately, these months are also primetime for severe weather events like tornadoes, flooding, lightning and thunderstorms. To better inform citizens of the dangers associated with severe weather, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is once again partnering with the National Weather Service to kick-off Severe Weather Awareness Week in Tennessee.
OEM has several free events planned throughout the week, including the popular SkyWarn Basic and Advanced Spotter Class. Developed by the National Weather Service, the spotter classes are open to anyone interested in becoming a storm spotter, which can play a role in saving lives. Spotter classes are scheduled February 20, 22, March 6 and 22 from 6-9 p.m. at the Metro Emergency Operations Center located at 2060 15th Avenue South. Limited space is available and pre-registration is required.
Additionally, OEM is proud to be teaming up with Publix grocery stores to help spread the word about severe weather and emergency preparedness. Beginning February 18, all Publix stores in Davidson County will give away specialty magnets to customers that include helpful information about preparing disaster kits.
Another severe weather hazard is flooding. That’s why OEM is posting road signs in several flood-prone areas throughout Davidson County warning “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” This slogan is the cornerstone of a national flood safety campaign developed by the National Weather Service and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes to help reduce flood-related deaths.
“Turn Around, Don’t Drown is a simple message that prevents senseless deaths,” said Acting Director Stephen Halford. “More deaths occur due to flooding each year than from any other hurricane or severe thunderstorm-related hazard. Remember, it only takes six inches of moving water to sweep a person off their feet and two feet to float most automobiles. ”