Severe Weather Awareness Week

Sunday, March 3rd through Saturday, March 9th, has been declared the 2013 Severe Weather Awareness Week for North Carolina and South Carolina. In addition, this week is also NOAA and FEMA’s National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. The theme is once again, “Be a Force of Nature.”

During this week, NOAA and FEMA are highlighting the importance of planning and practicing how and where to take shelter before severe weather strikes. Being prepared to act quickly can be a matter of life and death.

Being a force of nature goes beyond taking appropriate preparedness action. It’s about inspiring others to do the same. We’re asking people not only to be prepared, but also to encourage their social network to act by texting, tweeting, or posting a Facebook status update. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter - we will be posting information daily!

On Tuesday, March 5^th at 900 am, for South Carolina, the National Weather Service in cooperation with local broadcasters will conduct a statewide tornado drill in the form of a Required Monthly Test on all NOAA weather radio and public alert systems. The statewide tornado drill for North Carolina will be held on Wednesday, March 6^th at 930 am. The alarm test will activate the State Emergency Alert System and be carried by local radio broadcasters. This will allow schools, business, and residents the opportunity to practice their tornado drills and enact safety plans.

In pursuit of a Weather-Ready Nation, the goal of this week’s preparedness activities is to raise awareness about severe weather hazards and highlight effective preparedness actions. This week - be a force of nature! Encourage others to learn more about severe weather hazards and preparedness!