March 6 - 12th: 2016 Severe Weather Awareness Week

2016 Severe Weather Awareness Week

Sunday, March 6th through Saturday, March 12th, has been declared 2016 Severe Weather Awareness Week for both North Carolina and South Carolina.

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 Wednesday, March 9^{th there will be TWO statewide tornado drills, one for North Carolina and one for South Carolina. At} 9:30 am, the National Weather Service in cooperation with local broadcasters will conduct a statewide tornado drill for North Carolina in the form of a Required Monthly Test on all NOAA weather radio and public alert systems. The statewide tornado drill for South Carolina will be held at 9:00 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!