Agenda - 03-15-2005-6d - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: March 15, 2005 Action Agen/da Item No. --(~_~-- SUBJECT: Severe Weather Awareness Week DEPARTMENT: Emergency Management PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Proclamation Eric Griffin. 968-2050 TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE: To designate the week of March 13tH through 19tH, 2005 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Orange County. BACKGROUND: Governor Michael Easley has proclaimed the week of March 13tH through the 19tH 2005 as Severe Weather Awareness Week, A statewide tornado drill will be held March 16tH, The drill will consist of the issuance of practice watches and warnings by the National Weather Service over television, radio, and NOAA weather radio, The purpose of the drill is to increase residents' awareness and allow them to practice their tornado shelter-in-place procedures, All county schools typically practice their tornado drill procedures during this time, This is especially timely in consideration of the weak tornado that damaged property in northern Orange County just east of Hillsborough around 4:45 am Friday, January 14, 2005, While this tornado was unusual in that it struck during the winter months, it shows that weather is not as predictable as it may seem and residents must be prepared at all times for natural and man- made disasters, Residents with questions regarding severe weather or other hazards may contact the Department of Emergency Management at 919-968-2050, FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no significant financial impact to Orange County. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation designating the week of March 13tH through 19tH, 2005 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Orange County, and encourage residents to learn more about severe weather safety,