OEM Encourages Every Nashvillian To Prepare For Severe Weather
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2008
CONTACT: AMANDA SLUSS
615.880.2962 (OFFICE)
615.566.0978 (CELL)
February 24-29 is Tennessee Severe Weather Awareness Week
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Metro’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is once again teaming up with the National Weather Service for Tennessee Severe Weather Awareness Week, set for February 24-29. The purpose of Severe Weather Awareness Week is to stress the importance of preparing now for natural disasters in order to help save lives and property.
“As we approach the 10-year anniversary of the April 16th tornado, we are reminded of the devastating images from downtown and East Nashville which detail the destructive and deadly nature of severe weather in Tennessee,” Acting Director Stephen Halford said. “This is an opportunity to educate people on severe weather threats, the need for an action plan and knowing the appropriate safety precautions to react quickly in a severe weather emergency.”
OEM has planned several opportunities for citizens to attend the National Weather Service’s SkyWarn Basic and Advanced Spotter Classes. This popular class is open to anyone interested in becoming a storm spotter and learning how to help save lives. As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, the National Weather Service’s Meteorologist-in-Charge Larry Vannozzi will instruct two February classes.
Spotter classes are free of charge. The schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday, February 26th from 6-8 p.m.
- Thursday, February 28th from 1-3 p.m. (This class is closed- 50 participants confirmed)
- Tuesday, March 11th from 6-8 p.m.
- Thursday, April 10th from 6-8 p.m.
- Saturday, April 19th from 9:30 – 11:30a.m.
For more information or to register for a SkyWarn Spotter class, visit our Website at www.nashville.gov/oem. Limited space is available and pre-registration is required.