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Hazardous Weather Awareness Week

For immediate release: Date: February 8, 2007
Contact: Palm Beach County Public Affairs 561-355-2754

In an effort to help keep Florida residents safe during severe weather outbreaks, the State of Florida has proclaimed February 11th-17th as Hazardous Weather Awareness Week.

Knowing how to plan and prepare for hazardous weather is key to keeping your family safe. Whether you are in a home, school or business, everyone should have a plan in place for severe weather.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management are requesting residents and schools to become involved in Florida’s Hazardous Weather Awareness Week by participating in a statewide tornado drill on February 14th. The tornado drill gives Floridians a chance to test their plans and determine whether or not they are prepared. This is especially true for schools.

On the morning of the drill, all participants should consider themselves under a Tornado Watch and should monitor the weather and be prepared to go to a safe place in the event of a warning. At 10:10 a.m., the National Weather Service will issue and practice a Tornado Warning. The warning will be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio as a “Weekly Test” message and through the Palm Beach County Warning Point’s call out system. At 10:20 a.m. a ‘take shelter’ or ‘duck and cover’ warning should be given by an authority figure at each participating location. By 10:30 a.m., an ‘all clear’ message will be issued and the drill will be complete and you may return to normal activities.

Public and commercial broadcasters are encouraged to participate by broadcasting these messages immediately.

The Florida Hazardous Awareness Week will also focus on other hazardous conditions that affect our state along with tips to keep Floridians safe.
Monday, February 12 – Lightning
Tuesday, February 13 – Marine Hazards & Rip Currents
Wednesday, February 14 – Tornadoes & Thunderstorms
Thursday, February 15 – Hurricanes & Flooding
Friday, February 16 – Temperature Extremes & Wildfires

For additional information or to link to the ‘Lightning Ledger’, please visit the following websites:
      Florida Division of Emergency Management
      www.FloridaDisaster.org
      Division of Emergency Management
      www.pbcgov.com/PubSafety/EOC/