Albany Fire Dept. provides severe weather safety tips

ALBANY, Ga. – Ahead of a winter storm that could see a possible tornado, the Albany Fire Department is issuing a few pieces of advice before severe weather hits.

Albany Assistant Fire Chief, Rubin Jordan says that following a meeting with the National Weather Service Monday afternoon, there are some concerns as there is a chance for a possible EF 2 tornado to touch down in our area.

“…The second event that is coming in is what we are mainly concerned about. It’s very severe. We are going to have winds sustained at 25-30 miles an hour. And, that’s before the squall line comes in…” said Rubin Jordan, Deputy Fire Chief, Albany Fire Dept.

With the severity of a possible tornado increasing slightly Monday afternoon, Jordan is says to start preparing before Tuesday morning.

“You should go ahead and prepare. Make sure of one thing: all loose items, make sure they’re secured outside so they don’t become projectile during this high speed wind. Also, you want to be able to, I’m gonna say get your kit together…” said Jordan.

As a result of a severe storm hitting our area, the fire department in conjunction with the county has restarted the Emergency Operations Center as of 6:00 pm Monday evening.

With Jordan saying that their community partners will be ready as this severe weather rolls in Tuesday morning.

“…And, then we will actually be inside the Emergency Operations Center in the morning at 6 a.m. With our essential partners like law enforcement, EMS, and our PIO, Public Information Officer to get you all the information that needs to get out…” said Jordan.

But, more than anything, Jordan says that it’s key to go over plans to keep you and your family safe.

“Just make sure you are secured. Always try to get to an inside room and stay put, and ride the storm out,” said Jordan.

With the storm set to hit our area extremely early Tuesday morning, Albany Fire is urging anyone in danger to contact the Emergency Operations Center.

We’ll have more information on the severe weather coming through our area with Meteorologist Matthew Crumley in just a little bit.

Albany-Dougherty Emergency Operations Center can be reached at 229-302-1900.

Brian Roche reporting.

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