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Be Prepared!

Natural disasters and emergencies can be scary, but the more you prepare, the less frightening they seem. Preparation in advance of an emergency is critical to the likelihood of surviving a natural or manmade disaster. We must have the tools and plans in place to make it on our own, at least for a period of time, no matter where we are when disaster strikes. Select the links below to learn how you can prepare for the unexpected.

Build a "Ready" Kit

Make your own Ready kit with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, seniors or family members with special needs. Add those items to your kit and start packing it today!

Additional Items

Health & Medications

Prescription medications and glasses
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – To disinfect water

Infant & Pet Care

Infant formula and diapers
Pet food, extra water, pet supplies, toys, and vaccination forms

Documents & Money

Important family documents – Copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
Cash or traveler’s checks and change

Shelter & Comfort

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person – Add extra bedding in cold weather
Complete change of clothing – Include a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes (consider cold-weather gear)

Safety & Supplies

Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels

Info & Entertainment

Emergency reference materials – Such as a first aid book
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

Know the Possible Hazards

Gwinnett County faces a wide range of natural and manmade hazards. Understanding these risks and knowing how to prepare can help protect lives and property.

Cyber Crime: Cyberattacks can lead to data theft and financial loss. Protect yourself with strong passwords, regular account checks, and safe online habits.
Drought: Droughts impact water availability and agriculture. Conserve water by following local restrictions and using water-saving techniques at home.
Earthquakes: Though rare, earthquakes can still cause damage. Secure heavy furniture, update insurance, and follow “Drop, Cover, Hold On” during tremors.
Extreme Heat: Prolonged heat can be dangerous. Stay indoors, stay hydrated, and never leave children or pets in vehicles.
Flooding & Dam Failure: Flash floods and dam failures can happen quickly. Know your flood risk, avoid driving through water, and monitor alerts.
Hurricanes: Inland impacts of hurricanes can be severe. Prepare by securing outdoor items, trimming trees, and planning evacuation routes.
Public Health Emergencies: Outbreaks like flu and COVID-19 require monitoring and preparedness. Stay informed and follow health guidance.
Terrorism: Though rare, be alert to suspicious activity. Report unusual behavior to authorities—“If you see something, say something.”
Thunderstorms & Lightning: Severe storms can cause damage and injury. Secure loose items, avoid electronics during storms, and stay indoors.
Tornadoes: Tornadoes can strike with little warning. Identify shelter areas, listen to alerts, and avoid windows during storms.
Wildfires: Wildfires can spread quickly. Maintain defensible space around your home and have multiple evacuation routes.
Winter Storms: Ice and snow can disrupt power and travel. Prepare by winterizing your home, having emergency supplies, and staying off roads when possible.
Hazardous Material Releases: Spills from industrial sites or transport routes pose risks. Be aware of local hazards and follow emergency instructions.

Stay informed and prepared to reduce your risk from these common hazards. For more details, contact Gwinnett County Emergency Management.

Stay Aware - Emergency Information Resources

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City along with the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma provides weather watches, warnings and advisories to alert the public of hazardous weather conditions. Learn more about watches, warnings, and advisories.

You can receive National Weather Service alerts through a variety of ways:

Local Weather Websites

Helpful Weather Apps

NOAA Weather Radio
A NOAA Weather Radio activates an audible alarm followed by a message when the National Weather Service issues a weather warning. NOAA Weather Radios can be purchased at retail stores or online. Periodically, Gwinnett County Office of Emergency Management will have an inventory of weather radios made available to Gwinnett County citizens free of charge. For more information about NOAA Weather Radios, please visit www.weather.gov/nwr. To contact Gwinnett County about possibly receiving a complimentary weather radio, please call 770.513.5600 or email ema@gwinnettcounty.com. Some radios may have a jack for connecting optional accessories such as a strobe light or bed shaker for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Wireless Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are free messages sent to your mobile device to warn about severe weather, AMBER alerts, and other local safety threats. These alerts appear like a text message but use a unique sound and vibration to get your attention—even during calls—making them especially helpful for people with hearing or vision impairments.

WEAs are one-way messages broadcast to devices near affected areas and aren’t affected by network congestion. No app or subscription is needed, and most smartphones already have them enabled. To check if your device supports WEA, contact your wireless provider or visit FCC.gov.

Types of Alerts:

Presidential alerts for national emergencies
AMBER alerts for child abductions
Severe weather warnings:
- Tornadoes
- Flash floods
- Hurricanes
- Extreme winds
- Blizzards and ice storms
Local emergency alerts from Gwinnett County:
- Earthquakes
- Immediate evacuations
- Fires
- Hazardous materials
- Local area emergencies
- Shelter-in-place warnings
- Telephone outage emergencies

National Weather Service Alerts

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Peachtree City along with the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma provides weather watches, warnings, and advisories to alert the public of hazardous weather conditions. For a description of the various watches, warnings, and advisories, please see below.

Winter Weather Alerts

Winter Weather Advisory	Issued when, within the next 24 hours, there is a high probability of enough snow, sleet, or ice to cause inconvenience, but not enough to warrant a warning.

Winter Storm Watch	Issued when there is at least a 50 percent chance for winter storm conditions occurring in the next 12 to 48 hours. Winter storm conditions include an accumulation of at least a half-inch of sleet, and/or a significant accumulation (1/4 inch or more) of ice due to freezing rain, and/or heavy snow accumulation. Snow accumulations must be at least 2 inches (except 3 inches in the Northeast Georgia Mountains) within a 12-hour period, or at least 4 inches in a 24-hour period.

Winter Storm Warning	Issued when there is at least an 80 percent chance for winter storm conditions occurring within the next 24 hours. Winter storm conditions include an accumulation of at least a half-inch of sleet, and/or a significant accumulation (1/4 inch or more) of ice due to freezing rain, and/or heavy snow accumulation. Snow accumulations must be at least 2 inches (except 3 inches in the Northeast Georgia Mountains) within a 12-hour period, or at least 4 inches in a 24-hour period.

Ice Storm Warning	Issued when there is at least an 80 percent chance that freezing rain will result in the accumulation of at least 1/4 inch of ice within the next 24 hours.

Blizzard Watch	Issued when there is at least a 50 percent chance for blizzard conditions within the next 12 to 48 hours. Blizzard conditions consist of sustained wind speeds (or gusts) of at least 35 mph and considerable falling or blowing snow causing a reduction of visibilities to less than 1/4 mile for at least 3 hours.

Blizzard Warning	Issued when there is at least an 80 percent chance that wind and snow will combine to produce blizzard conditions within the next 24 hours. Blizzard conditions consist of sustained wind speeds (or gusts) of at least 35 mph, and considerable falling or blowing snow causing a reduction of visibilities to less than 1/4 mile for at least 3 hours.

Frost Outlook	Issued when, within the next 24 to 48 hours, there is a moderate probability (50percent – 70 percent) of significant frost. These are issued on, or after March 20 in spring, and prior to November 20 in autumn. In autumn, the issuance of Frost Outlooks will be discontinued prior to November 20 if temperatures fall below 28°F over a wide area.

Frost Advisory	Issued when, within the next 24 hours, there is a high probability (at least 80 percent) of significant frost. These are issued on, or after March 20 in spring, and prior to November 20 in autumn. In autumn, the issuance of Frost Advisories will be discontinued prior to November 20 if temperatures fall below 28°F over a wide area.

Freeze Watch	Issued when, during the next 12 to 48 hours, there is at least a moderate degree of confidence (50 percent – 70 percent) that temperatures will drop to 32°F or lower. These are issued on, or after March 20 in spring, and prior to November 20 in autumn. In autumn, the issuance of Freeze Watches will be discontinued prior to November 20 if temperatures fall below 28°F over a wide area.

Freeze Warning	Issued when, during the next 24 hours, there is a high degree of confidence (at least 65%) that temperatures will drop to 32°F or lower. These are issued on, or after March 20 in spring, and prior to November 20 in autumn. In autumn, the issuance of Freeze Warnings will be discontinued prior to November 20 if temperatures fall below 28°F over a wide area. After November 20, if temperatures are expected to fall low enough to cause damage (i.e. broken water pipes), a Special Weather Statement (SPS) will be issued.

Wind Chill Advisory	Issued when, within the next 24 hours, there is a high probability of wind chill readings below zero degrees, but not low enough to warrant a warning.

Wind Chill Watch	Issued when there is at least a 50 percent chance for wind chill values to drop below minus 15 degrees within the next 12 to 48 hours.

Wind Chill Warning	Issued when there is at least an 80 percent chance that wind chill values will drop to at least 15 degrees below zero within the next 24 hours.

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Severe Weather Alerts

Severe Weather Statement	A brief, concise statement to provide specific information on observed severe weather.

Significant Weather Advisory	Issued for strong thunderstorms producing frequent or excessive amounts of cloud-to-ground lightning, and/or heavy downpours that may result in minor nuisance flooding or street flooding. Also issued for strong thunderstorms producing hail or strong wind, but not meeting official "severe" criteria. It is typically issued for an hour or less and for only a few counties.

Tornado Watch	A Tornado Watch outlines an area where the possibility exists for large hail, damaging winds, and the possibility of multiple tornadoes to develop.

Tornado Warning	A warning issued to warn the public of an existing, imminent, or suspected tornado. A tornado is a violently rotating column of air, usually pendant to a thunderstorm, with circulation reaching the ground.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch	A Severe Thunderstorm Watch outlines an area where an organized episode of hail 1 inch diameter or larger and/or damaging thunderstorm winds are expected.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning	A warning issued to warn the public of an existing, imminent, or suspected severe thunderstorm. A severe thunderstorm is a thunderstorm that produces a tornado, winds of at least 50 knots (58 mph), and/or hail at least 1 inch in diameter (the size of pennies). Note: Structural wind damage may imply the occurrence of a severe thunderstorm.

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Flooding Alerts

Flash Flood Warning	A warning issued to warn the public that flash flooding is imminent or in progress. A flash flood is a flood which is caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours. Also, a dam failure can cause a flash flood.

River Flood Warning	Issued when the river stage at a "forecast point" is expected to reach or exceed bank full (flood stage), causing the inundation of a normally dry area.

Areal Flood Warning	For all areas other than "forecast points," used to issue a flood warning in situations where flooding is expected to occur more than 6 hours after a heavy rain event. Also issued when flash flooding persists longer than 6 hours.

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Special Weather Alerts

Special Weather Statement	Issued to convey information about an upcoming weather event that is expected to be significant, but not meeting criteria for a watch, warning, or advisory.

Wind Advisory	Issued when, during the next 24 hours, there is at least an 80 percent chance of wind speeds 20 to 35 mph lasting for one hour or longer or when wind gusts of at least 35 mph are expected.

High Wind Watch	Issued when, during the next 48 hours, there is at least a 50 percent chance of sustained wind speeds of at least 36 mph lasting 1 hour or more. Also issued when there is a 50 percent chance of a wind gust of 45 mph.

High Wind Warning	Issued when, during the next 24 hours, there is at least an 80 percent chance of sustained wind speeds of at least 36 mph lasting 1 hour or more. Also issued when there is an 80 percent chance of a wind gust of at least 45 mph.

Dense Fog (or smoke) Advisory	Issued when, during the next 24 hours, there is at least an 80 percent chance of widespread visibility restrictions of 1/4 mile or less.

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Tropical Storm Alerts

Tropical Storm Watch	Issued when, during the next 48 hours, there is a least a 50 percent chance of wind speeds between 39 and 73 mph occurring in association with a land-falling tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Warning	Issued when, during the next 36 hours, there is a least an 80 percent chance of wind speeds between 39 and 73 mph occurring in association with a land-falling tropical storm.

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Heat-Related Alerts

Heat Advisory	Issued when there is at least an 80 percent chance that daytime heat indices will exceed 104°F for at least 2 consecutive days.

Excessive Heat Warning	Issued when there is at least an 80 percent chance that daytime heat indices will exceed 109°F for at least 2 consecutive days.

Excessive Heat Watch	Issued when there is at least a 50 percent chance that daytime heat indices will exceed 109°F for at least 2 consecutive days.

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