Cobb to Test Weather Sirens Wednesday

If you hear sirens in Cobb around 9 a.m. Wednesday, don't be alarmed.

The county is participating in a statewide tornado drill as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week.

Gov. Nathan Deal designated Feb. 4-8 as Severe Weather Awareness Week to encourage Georgians to better prepare for disasters and other emergencies, according to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's Ready Georgia campaign.

The drill will take place one week after an EF-3 tornado sliced through Adairsville in Bartow County and produced winds in excess of 100 m.p.h.

The tornado damaged 442 residential structures and 30 commercial properties, destroyed 22 homes and six commercial properties were completely, and killed a 51-year-old man.

This Wednesday, Georgians are urged to identify safe places in their homes to take cover in the event of a tornado.

Severe Weather Awareness Week

After Wednesday, there are just two days left in Severe Weather Awareness Week. According to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's Ready Georgia campaign:

• Thursday is dedicated to lightning safety. Learn the 30/30 rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
• Friday is about flood safety (alternate drill date). Make copies of important documents, seal them in a watertight container/bag and add them to your Ready kit.