7:48 am Local EMA office recognizes Severe Weather Week with events
The Elizabethton/ Carter County Emergency Management Agency is recognizing Severe Weather Week with a handful of events scheduled throughout the week.
Monday was the official start date of Severe Weather Week throughout the state of Tennessee. During this week, there will be a focus on educating the general public on the dangers that severe weather can pose.
According to the EMA office, the Elizabethton City Schools and Carter County Schools were scheduled to participate in a tornado drill this morning as part of a statewide drill being conducted by the state for awareness and preparation. This year’s statewide tornado drill was to be initiated with a special National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio test, scheduled at 9:30 a.m.
“With another busy tornadic season predicted for the southeast, it is important that we prepare now,” said EMA Director Andrew Worley. “I recommend you prepare an emergency kit for your home and car and make an emergency plan ensuring that you establish an out of the area contact in the event that our area is affected by severe weather.”
There were a record number of tornadoes nationwide and in the state of Tennessee last year, which included the deadly outbreak in late April. Greene, Johnson and Washington counties experienced rare Tennessee twisters, killing several individuals in all three counties. Last year also brought a small twister to the Milligan and Pinecrest communities on April 9. The same system spawned tornadoes in Washington County, causing some damage.
The EMA has recently learned that through a federal program sponsored by the National Weather Service, they are going to receive 26 Weather Radios to place in local schools and day care centers.
Tonight, at 6 p.m. at the Washington County Courthouse in Jonesborough, there will be a Storm Spotter Class being hosted by the Washington County Emergency Management Agency. To register for the class please contact Chad Bruckman at cbruckman.ema@earthlink.net or by phone at 434-6081. For more information regarding the Carter County EMA, contact them at 542-1888, or email at ema@cartercountytn.gov or ready.gov.
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