When severe weather strikes, mere seconds could mean the difference between surviving a horrific tornado or heavy thunderstorm, emergency officials say, as Georgia this week recognizes Severe Weather Awareness Week Feb. 3-9.

In case of severe weather, Fayette County has a network of 21 sirens that will sound an audible alert for three to five minutes.

Upon hearing the sound, residents should go immediately to a basement or safe area in the home if high winds, severe thunder and lightning are present, emergency officials said. Anyone outside not near shelter should lie flat on the ground away from trees until the storm passes, and if in a vehicle residents should get out and find a more suitable structure, officials said.

The sirens will be tested Friday at approximately 9:10 a.m., and residents are asked not to call 911 at that time unless there is an emergency.

The sirens are sounded for the following occasions:

• The National Weather Service issues a severe thunderstorm warning with damaging winds in excess of 65 mph;

• The National Weather Service issues a Tornado warning;

• A tornado has been spotted by public safety officials;

• Additional weather warnings are issued; and

• During significant weather alerts in parks and recreational areas. Significant weather activity includes frequent intense lightning, hail and heavy rain. All outdoor activity should cease during such events.

Residents should avoid calling 911 to ask why the sirens are sounding, which can overload the 911 emergency response center, officials said. Instead, residents should only call for true emergencies, officials said.

It’s also recommended to use a battery operated NOAA weather alert radio to know when the emergency has passed.

The sirens are located in some of the most vulnerable and densely populated areas of the county.

Officials are also urging residents to develop a family plan of action to take should severe weather strike.

Residents are asked to discuss preparing for severe weather, especially with children, and businesses should also develop a severe weather action plan, officials said.

Instead, citizens should tune to local TV or radio stations to get the latest weather updates, officials said.

Other helpful severe weather tips include:

• Develop a plan for you and your family for home, work, school, and when outdoors.

• Know your county and the surrounding counties in order to follow the movement of the storms.

• Have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery backup to receive warnings. Listen for sounding of the severe weather warning sirens.

• Listen to local radio and television for information.

• If planning outdoor activities, monitor latest forecasts and take necessary actions if threatening weather is possible.

• In a home or building move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.

• If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Remember to put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.

• Stay away from windows.

• Get out of automobiles.

• Do not try to outrun a tornado in an automobile.

• Mobile homes, even tied down, offer little protection and should be abandoned.

• Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that advance warning is not possible. Remain alert for signs of approaching storms and take the necessary precautions.

For additional Severe Weather Awareness Week information in Georgia and a multitude of weather preparedness suggestions, visit www.gema.state.ga.us and click on the link to “disasters and hazards” and then the link to “severe weather awareness week.”

Severe weather information is also available at at www.redcross.org by clicking the link for “be prepared.”

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