Georgia schools practice tornado drills : Neighborhood : MySouthwestGA.com

Georgia schools practice tornado drills

Posted: 02.06.2013 at 4:25 PM

Children at Northside Elementary School practice what to do in the event of a tornado. / Sean Streicher

ALBANY, GA -- When the tornado warning sounded this morning at Northside Elementary School in Albany, the students filed into the hall, got on the ground and covered their heads, just like they're supposed too.

"I think everything went great today and I think it's something we need to have in place," said principal Dr. Maqueta Griswold.

Northside wasn't alone in their tornado preparations; in conjunction with severe weather awareness week, schools across the state practiced tornado drills, a very important procedure, especially here in Southwest Georgia.

"We've had tornados here that have actually hit schools, and we're very concerned about our student’s safety and we want to make sure that they return home safe every day," said Dr. Griswold.

If that tornado siren sounds when the kids and their families are home it's important the whole family knows what to do.

"If they've already heard the siren what that means is go to your safe place within your house. Traditionally that's an inside room on the first floor, probably a bathroom with no windows," explains Albany-Dougherty EMA Deputy Director, Jim Vaught.

Families should also be planning ahead and have an emergency preparation kit on hand, including items such as, food, water, blankets, a radio, flashlights and batteries.

You want to make sure you have enough supplies to last you at least 72 hours, because that's how long experts say it should take first responders to reach you.

Stay connected to MySouthWestGA.com as stories develop and the FOX 31 Newscast at 10 PM. Visit us on Facebook and Twitter to join in on the conversation and connect with FOX 31!

Related Links

		Georgia avoided tornados, but residents should still be prepared
		Drills prepare Phoebe physicians

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