By: Emma Rodriguez
Collegedale is set to host a Storm Safety Day on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at The Commons. The free event is intended to help residents better prepare for severe weather and provide them with safety demonstrations and resources.
According to a press release from Collegedale Commissioner Laura Howse, Storm Safety Day will run from 3 to 7 p.m., with volunteers from the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management and the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron on site to provide free weather radio programming.
Attendees can bring their own weather radio or purchase one at the event. In addition to radio programming, live demonstrations will cover storm safety, emergency preparedness and protective measures for homes and families. Residents will be able to ask questions to local storm safety experts.
“All residents of Collegedale and the surrounding areas are encouraged to attend,” the release states. “Whether you are a first-time weather radio owner or just looking to refresh your knowledge on storm safety, this event has something for everyone.”
In an email to the Accent, Howse explained how the initial idea of having a safety day came about.
“During my campaign, I spoke with many citizens who were concerned about storm safety,” she stated. “While the SAU campus has a tornado siren, the rest of the county does not, leaving many residents without reliable warnings during severe weather. The lack of designated storm shelters and a countywide tornado siren system means people need to do what they can to be informed and shelter safely at home.”
According to Howse, organizations such as the American Red Cross will be involved to “host a table featuring their ‘Be Ready program,’ providing valuable preparedness information. Tri-Comm[unity Volunteer Fire Department] will have a representative on-site to discuss safe sheltering, and the Collegedale Police Department will showcase one of their emergency response trucks, with officers available to explain how they assist during severe weather events.” Additionally, local thrift store The Samaritan Center will also staff a table to inform people of how they help others “recover after a storm.”
The emergency preparedness event will take place on “Foodie Wednesday,” an initiative organized by Alex Ferney that brings a variety of food trucks to The Commons.
