Governor Rick Scott Proclaims January 30 – February 3, 2012 as Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week
TALLAHASSEE— Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed January 30 – February 3, 2012 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Florida. The Week is dedicated to educating Florida’s residents and visitors about the potential weather hazards that affect the state, including lightning, tropical storm systems, tornadoes, floods and rip currents. Each day, the Division will feature a severe weather hazard and important preparedness tips.
“Florida is unique in that it experiences numerous types of severe weather every year. Our residents and visitors need to be aware and ready for these hazards,” said Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan W. Koon. “We urge all Floridians to take time to consider the information highlighted this week and take action by building or renewing their family and business disaster plans.”
The Florida Division of Emergency Management will kick off the Week on Saturday, January 28, 2012. One highlight of the kickoff is the announcement of the annual Severe Weather Awareness Week Poster and Public Service Announcement Contest winners. Over 700 students statewide participated in the contests this year. The winning poster will be displayed in the State Emergency Operations Center for the rest of 2012. The winning public service announcements will be professionally produced and aired statewide as part of the Division’s 2012 public awareness campaign. These winners will also receive complimentary tickets to an Orlando theme park for up to a family of four.
Annual Tornado Drill Wednesday, February 1, 2012
In addition to the poster and video contests, the Division will partner with the National Weather Service to conduct the annual statewide tornado drill at 10:10 a.m. Eastern Time (9:10 a.m. Central Time) on Wednesday, February 1. The National Weather Service will broadcast a routine Weekly Test and during this time, Floridians should consider themselves under a Tornado Warning. This means that a tornado has been sighted or has been picked up by radar in your area. Floridians participating in the drill should practice taking shelter immediately in a safe and sturdy structure until the conclusion of the drill.
Additional Severe Weather Awareness Week sponsors include the American Red Cross, the Florida Association of Broadcasters, and the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association.
To learn more about Severe Weather Awareness Week and how to get prepared for severe weather, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org/SWAW. For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/FLSERT.
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CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION
(850) 413-9969
www.FloridaDisaster.org
