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ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br />Meeting Date: March 2, 2006 <br />Action Agend~ aG <br />Item No. <br />SUBJECT: Severe Weather Awareness Week <br />DEPARTMENT: Emergency Management PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No <br />ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Proclamation Jack Ball, 968-2050 <br />PURPOSE: To designate the week of March 13`h through 17~', 2006 as Severe Weather <br />Awareness Week in Orange County. <br />BACKGROUND: Governor Michael Easley has proclaimed the week of March 13th through the <br />17th 2006 as Severe Weather Awareness Week. A statewide tornado drill will be held March <br />15th. The drill will consist of the issuance of practice watches and warnings by the National <br />Weather Service over television, radio, and NOAA weather radio. The purpose of the drill is to <br />increase residents' awareness and allow them to practice their tornado shelter-in-place <br />procedures. All county schools typically practice their tornado drill procedures during this time. <br />The last tornado that impacted Orange County damaged property in northern Orange County <br />just east of Hillsborough around 4:45 am on Friday, January 14, 2005. While this tornado was <br />unusual in that it struck during the winter months, it shows that weather is not as predictable as <br />it may seem and residents must be prepared at all times for natural and man-made disasters. <br />Also in support of Severe Weather Awareness Week, Orange County Emergency Management <br />and the National Weather Service -Raleigh office are hosting two Skywarn severe weather <br />spotter classes for emergency responders and amateur radio operators in the County on March <br />16`h at the Southern Human Services Center. The advanced class begins at 1:OOpm and the <br />basic class begins at 7:OOpm. Both will last about three and a half hours. <br />Residents with questions regarding severe weather such as tornadoes, ice storms, or other <br />hazards may contact the Department of Emergency Management at 919-968-2050. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: None <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation <br />designating the week of March 13th through 17`h, 2006 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in <br />Orange County, and encourage residents to learn more about severe weather safety. <br />