Severe Weather Safety 

Severe weather can occur unexpectedly, posing dangers such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and extreme storms. Being prepared is crucial for staying safe and minimizing risks. 

Be prepared and plan ahead. Knowing how to respond before, during, and after severe weather events can significantly impact your ability to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Tornado Safety

Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning

Tornado Watch means there is a possibility of tornadoes in your area.
Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted and may be approaching... seek shelter immediately!

• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Crouch down facing the interior wall and protect your head.
• In larger buildings, take shelter in interior stairwells, bathrooms, hallways, or small interior rooms on the lowest floors.
• In homes and small buildings, go to the interior area of the lowest level (closets, bathrooms, or interior halls) or get under something sturdy.
• In vehicles/trailers, leave them and go to a substantial structure. If there is no structure nearby, lay flat in the nearest ditch, ravine or culvert with your hands shielding your head.

What to Do:

• Get off the Road. The best option is to drive to a designated shelter, basement or safe room.
• The next best option is a small, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor of a building.
• Stay informed about severe weather in your area.

What NOT to Do:

• Do not seek refuge in a vehicle, outside, or under an overpass. A highway overpass does not provide safety from a tornado.
• Do not try to outrun the tornado.

Inclement Weather Safety Tips

• Do not drive through standing water. Turn around, find another route.
• Avoid driving under low-hanging power lines and tree limbs.
• Maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off vehicles and equipment.
• Do not stand or park under leaning trees or hanging.
• Be aware of flying debris during periods of high winds.

MAKE THE RIGHT CALL on when to call 311 (non-emergency) versus 911 (emergency): 

• Non-Emergency Issues (Call 311):
  • Potholes on city streets
  • Water leak or water main break
  • Traffic signal repair/replacement
  • Requesting a new sidewalk
  • Bulk collection request
  • Code Enforcement issues
  • Supportive Services
  • Finding court information
  • Tree inspections
  • And more

•  Emergency Issues (Call 911):
  • Medical emergencies
  • Active outdoor burning
  • Drug activity in progress
  • Requesting police to direct traffic
  • Missing person reporting
  • Welfare check on an Atlanta resident
  • Receiving threatening calls
  • Car accidents with serious injuries
  • Situations of immediate danger
  • And more

Enroll to NotifyATL at www.atlantaga.gov/notifyatl or text 24639 for city alerts and updates.

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