Athens-Clarke County will conduct a test of its outdoor tornado warning sirens on Wednesday at about 9:30 a.m. According to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government website, the drill, held in coordination with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and the National Weather Service (NWS), is part of Georgia’s Severe Weather Preparedness Day. Twelve sirens across the county will sound during the test. If severe weather is expected, the test will be postponed.
Residents, schools, and businesses are encouraged to participate in the drill to practice safety measures. At the same time, Athens-Clarke County will test its emergency alert notification system. Residents can sign up for alerts via text or email through the Notify Me service on the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government website.
Sirens are located at key community sites, including Sandy Creek Park, the Holland Youth Sports Complex, and several University of Georgia facilities. They are primarily intended to warn people outdoors to seek shelter immediately during tornado warnings.
Officials also urge residents to prepare emergency kits with enough supplies for three days, learn the difference between a tornado watch and a warning, and identify safe shelter areas in advance. More information on severe weather preparedness is available through Ready Georgia and the Athens-Clarke County Emergency Management Agency websites.
