Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Severe Weather Preparedness David Shanks Area School Safety Coordinator September 18, 2016 Objectives Describe different types of hazardous weather that could affect your area Define response procedures required for each severe weather threat Recognize proper warning notification from the National Weather Service Identify proper and improper severe weather sheltering areas 1
Why is this course important? Georgia is vulnerable to several types of severe weather These weather events can endanger the public, employees, as well as vehicles 2015 Severe Weather Statistics Source: noaa.gov 2
What is Severe Weather? A combination of dangerous weather conditions which might result in property loss, injury, and/or death There are several different types of severe weather. Can you name those most likely to threaten Georgia? Types of Hazardous Weather Tornadoes Severe Thunderstorms(hail, lightning, strong winds) Flooding/Flash Flooding Heat Winter Weather Hurricanes 3
Tornadoes A violent rotating column of air with wind speeds from 65 to over 200 mph Tornado wind-speeds can equal or exceed hurricane force winds More people are hurt or killed from flying debris associated with a tornado, which can extend far beyond the center of the tornado Diamond Elementary School Closing Fort Stewart, Liberty County Enhanced Fujita Scale 4
Watches vs. Warnings Watches: Conditions are favorable for severe weather and you should be alert for more information Watches are generally 4-8 hours long Warnings: Severe weather has been spotted or detected by the NWS radar and you should take shelter immediately using your safe sheltering plan Warnings do not require a watch, and will last 30-60 minutes United States Tornado Facts 2015 Stats: 1,259 Tornadoes nationwide Source: noaa.gov 5
Georgia Tornado Facts Georgia 2015: 24 Tornadoes statewide Tornado Wind Hail Source: noaa.gov Georgia Tornado Season The strongest tornadoes in Georgia most likely occur in the Spring months 6
Examples of Tornado Damage Structure damage will vary based on the intensity Both pictures were hit by a tornado Avoid Exterior rooms for sheltering Glass Window Dangers EF-2 Damage Building is still standing, but the windows are a major hazard 7
Upper Level Floor and Exterior Wall Damage Tornado near Baltimore Exterior rooms should be avoided during a severe weather warning Joplin High School 2011 EF5 8
Avoid Mobile Units Macon, GA 2008 Mother s Day Tornadoes EF-2 Structural Damage to Concrete Slab Roof 9
Tornado Takes Center Stage School Auditorium Rooms with high, spanned ceilings should not be used for sheltering Gymnasiums 10
Safe Sheltering Preferably shelter in interior rooms or hallways with no windows. People should be as low to the ground as possible protecting their heads. People can be double stacked in hallways or interior rooms. These location are preferable to other exposed areas. Mobile units should move inside during a watch or as soon as possible when threat is imminent to prevent a delay during a warning. Do not shelter in locations with broad span roofs such as cafeterias, libraries, or gymnasiums. Wait for an all clear to be given before leaving shelter areas. Tornado Safety Tips When a Tornado Watch is issued: Evacuate Portables/Mobile Units Prepare for a Warning Watch for approaching weather Monitor NOAA Radio and legitimate weather media 11
Tornado Safety Tips When a Tornado Warning is issued: Move to shelter immediately Evacuate gyms, cafeterias and auditoriums Wait for All Clear Hold dismissal Lake Burton (Rabun County) Apr 28, 2011 12
Severe Thunderstorms In some cases, they can produce more damage than weaker tornadoes Winds in Severe Thunderstorms can range from 60 to 100+ mph Can snap/uproot trees Can cause structural damage Calhoun Elementary School The School s gymnasium received extensive damage Gymnasiums should NOT be used for shelters 13
Hail Stones Thunderstorms can also produce Hail Hail is a risk to damaging cars and buildings Hail 2 inches or larger in diameter can seriously injure or cause fatalities Lightning Outdoor sports/activities participants are at high risk or any other group of people or animals in an open area GHSA 2.93(a) The GHSA requires lightning detectors at all outdoor athletic activities If you can hear thunder, you are in danger of being struck 30/30 rule: If lightning and thunder are within 30 seconds of each other, you can be hit Wait 30 minutes from the last clap of thunder to consider it safe to conduct outdoor activities Get indoors or into vehicles, avoid trees, water, fences and poles 14
Lightning Severe Thunderstorm Safety Tip When a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued: Bring everyone from portable/mobile units indoors Be prepared to sound Warning Monitor NOAA Radio Hold dismissal 15
Severe Thunderstorm Safety Tips When a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued: Evacuate portable/mobile units Suspend outdoor activities Students should be moved into safe areas Hold dismissal Flood Safety Flooding is the number 1 cause of weather related fatalities Rising flood waters pose dangerous risks for buildings Evacuation routes may be blocked Upstream Dams could be breached 16
Other hazards? Tropical Storm Alberto 1994 Storm killed 30 people in Georgia Worst flooding in state history 15 to 20 of rain 17
Floods and Cars Atlanta Floods 2009 18
Rabun County, 2015 Flood Safety Tips Determine if the building is in a flood plain map.georgiadfirm.com Determine if there are nearby dams Plan an evacuation route to higher ground Find a location accessible by foot Instruct bus drivers to avoid water covered routes 19
Greene County, 2015 Maine - 2011 Flooded Road The culvert failed and the road decayed 20
Wilkes County, 2015 Hurricane Threats Hurricane Season: June through November August, September and October are the peak months Hurricanes can impact both coastal and inland areas A hurricane can impact communities several hundred miles inland The greatest risk to inland is flooding, tornadoes and high winds Coastal counties can experience significant storm surge as well 21
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Safety Tips A Hurricane or Tropical Storm may initially threaten coastal counties, but every county is at risk Monitor TV, Radio and NOAA Weather Radio for severe weather development Prepare for: Tornadoes Flooding High Winds El Nino/La Nina El Nino (Warming Phase): Sea surface temperatures in a region of the Pacific are at least 0.5C warmer than normal La Nina (Cooling Phase): Sea surface temperatures in a region of the Pacific are at least 0.5C cooler than normal Currently, 75% chance we are moving from El Nino to La Nina 2016: Warmer, wetter winters -> More hurricanes 22
Heat Wave Threats Temperatures above 90 degrees combined with high humidity can produce dangerous conditions in a school Majority of heat related illnesses in schools impact athletes and outdoor participants The National Weather Service will issue Heat Advisories when Heat Index or Temperature is greater than 100 degrees F Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Heat Exhaustion Heavy sweating Weakness Cold, pale, and clammy skin Fast, weak pulse Nausea or vomiting Fainting Heat Stroke High body temperature (above 103 F)* Hot, red, dry or moist skin Rapid and strong pulse Possible unconsciousness Source: CDC 23
Heat Wave Threats In hot weather, a child s body temperature can rise 3 to 5 times faster than an adult s, reaching a dangerous level in a short time The elderly and immunocompromised are also at risk Teachers and caregivers should consider curtailing or canceling outdoor activities when temperatures or the heat index reaches critical levels During periods of hot weather, athletes should limit exercise between 10 am and 6 pm, and stay out of the sun as much as possible Look Again 24
Heat Safety Tips Keep all students indoors If no A/C, use fans and open windows Provide electrolyte rich fluids and water Consider dismissing early Cancel or curtail outdoor activities Winter Weather Threats Georgia Winter Weather Threats are most likely November to March Ice, snow and extreme cold cause the most problems Schools can be impacted by dangerous driving conditions, sudden power outages, frozen pipes and unexpected snowstorms 25
Winter Weather Safety Tips Consider cancellation or dismissal Light ice accumulation can be dangerous Apply salt and sand material to walkways Ensure school and buses have safety kits to deal with small issues Governor s Internal Recommendations Following January 2014 Event Mobile Phone Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) System Weather Advisory Group Winter Weather Information Emails to School Superintendents Upgrade the READY GA app 26
Severe Weather Protocol Identify someone to monitor severe weather, including overnight threat/changes in forecast Make connections before the disaster Local emergency management NWS Transportation considerations Pre-staging of buses Check routes for travel accessibility Notification to parents, students and staff Website Telephone Social Media GEMHSA ReadyGA App Android iphone 27
Establish a Severe Weather Warning Notification DO NOT use the same Fire Alarm tone to indicate a Severe Weather Warning Use plain, clear text when declaring a weather event Keep in mind: a power outage could occur, making your PA system inoperable Any Questions? Dave Shanks David.shanks@gema.ga.gov (404) 772-3799 http://www.gema.ga.gov/planprepare/pages/school-safety.aspx 28
Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed C.J. Worden Field Coordinator What Are We Preparing For Emergency Management and Homeland Security Threats 29
Disaster History Georgia experienced 17 major disasters in the past two decades. Government Can Help, But Preparedness begins with you. You must be your own first responder. 30
Tip #1 Get Weather Alerts Sign up for your county warning system. Some counties use outdoor warning sirens, others may use a telephone notification system FEMA s wireless emergency alerts no registration required Tip #1- Get Weather Alerts NOAA Weather Radio Broadcasts watches and warnings from the National Weather Service and information about man-made disasters, like an act of terrorism. It will wake you up in the middle of the night and give you critical minutes needed to take cover. You can buy them for about $30 at many stores. 31
Tip #2 - Get a Kit Recommended items: Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Flashlight and extra batteries Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries for both Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members and pets Where to Keep Your Kit Keep items in a plastic storage container, backpack or tote bag. Store your kit in a designated area and have it ready to go if needed. Keep a kit in your car and at work. 32
Older Georgians/People with Disabilities Create a support network Make sure they have an extra key to your home and know where you keep your medicine Different disabilities may require specific preparation for an emergency. Support systems normally relied upon may be unavailable (e.g., power outage). There are many questions that need to be considered when making an emergency plan for someone with a specific need. Older Georgians/People with Disabilities How will you evacuate if an accessible vehicle is not available? Does your utility company keep a list and map of the locations of power-dependent customers in case of an emergency? Have you arranged to have benefits deposited electronically? 33
Tip #4 Download the App Ready Georgia Mobile App Android QR Code iphone QR Code 34
Tip #5 Copy That! Copy important papers and seal them in a waterproof container Identification documents (birth certificate, social security card, passport) Photos Insurance information Scan and upload passwordprotected documents to a Cloud drive www.ready.ga.gov Tip #6 Pack a pet Ready kit Food, water, vaccination records, collar or harness, pet carrier, picture of your pet, familiar items Find a pet-friendly hotel or make arrangements with family and friends if you have to evacuate 35
Tip #7 Learn the Protocol Familiarize yourself with the emergency protocol at work and your child s school Tip #8 Know Your Safe Place Make sure everyone knows where to go if a tornado warning is issued at home, work and school (basement or interior room with no windows) 36
Tip #9 Prepare Your Trees Remove diseased or dead branches During sidewalk replacement, utility work, or other excavation, avoid cutting roots Water, mulch regularly Lose a tree? Plant a new one Ask the Arborist from Georgia Forestry Tip #10 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 37
Want to Volunteer? Georgia Citizen Corps - CERT Program The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains people to be better prepared to respond to emergencies in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can support first responders, assist victims and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community. Visit www.readyclayton.com Questions? www.ready.ga.gov www.gemhsa.ga.gov 404.635.7000 @GeorgiaEMA 38