Pickens County EMA urges residents to prepare for spring hazards; explains watches, warnings and alerts

Mark, director of Pickens County Emergency Management, told the county board that North Georgia’s spring weather brings thunderstorms, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, high winds and wildfires and reviewed practical safety steps for residents.

"In a warning, take action," Mark said, stressing that watches mean conditions are favorable while warnings mean an event is occurring and people should seek shelter immediately. He outlined lightning safety, advising people to move indoors at the first sound of thunder and to avoid small shelters, pavilions and standing water. On flooding he cited the rule of thumb: 6 inches of flowing water can begin to move a vehicle, 1 foot can float many cars, and 2 feet can sweep them away, and repeated the National Weather Service admonition: "Turn around, don't drown."

Mark described the county Emergency Operations Center and its partners — the Sheriff's Office, marshals, fire and rescue, public works, local municipalities, Red Cross and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency — and explained the paperwork necessary for federal disaster reimbursement if a presidential declaration is sought. He emphasized ground observations and community spotters: Skywarn training and local amateur-radio repeaters provide "ground truth" where radar coverage is limited.

For household preparedness Mark recommended a three-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day), nonperishable food, a battery-powered weather radio, flashlights, first-aid supplies, a manual can opener and charged phone power banks. He also noted special needs planning for older adults and people who require prescriptions, oxygen or mobility aids.

To receive county alerts, Mark directed residents to opt in: "In Pickens County, you can text PCEC to 99411," which signs phones up for county CodeRED notifications he said the county uses along with social media to share National Weather Service advisories. He closed by encouraging families, workplaces and county employees to make and practice plans and by pointing to training opportunities for storm spotters.

The presentation concluded with commissioners asking about Skywarn class availability, and the EMA director saying the National Weather Service offers limited live sessions locally and online options that he will share with county staff. The board did not take formal action; the briefing was delivered in a work-session format and will be used for ongoing outreach and preparedness coordination.