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THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL. THURSDAY. MARCH 26. 2009 — PAGE 7A March is start of tornado season in Georgia Georgia has already expe rienced its first deadly tor nadoes this year, claiming a life and causing harm and damage in 15 counties across the state. March marks the start of a three-month active torna do season in the Southeast, making now the time for Georgians to get ready by preparing, planning and stay ing informed with Ready Georgia, the state’s emergen cy preparedness campaign. “Tornadoes have terror ized both rural and urban areas in Georgia's recent his tory, making anyone vulner able to their hazards," said Charley English, director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. “Just last March, an EF-2 tornado tore a six-mile path through the heart of down town Atlanta,” English added. “The next day, twisters ripped through Polk, Floyd, Jefferson, Burke. Butts and Bartow counties. Three peo ple died as a result of these storms, and seven counties received a federal disaster declaration. These tragedies and others clearly demon strate why every Georgian needs to be prepared.” Tornadoes have proven to be some of nature’s most vio lent storms that can generate wind speeds of more than 250 mph and can appear out of nowhere with little warning. Being prepared to act quickly by having a plan in place and practicing how and where to take shelter is cru cial to mitigating the effects of a tornado. To help Georgia families and business prepare, plan and stay informed. Ready Georgia recommends taking the following steps during tornado season: PREPARE FOR A TORNADO •Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a tornado hazard. •A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. •A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted in your area, and you need to take shelter immediately. •Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning. Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. •Make sure NOAA Weather Radios are programmed cor rectly and prepare a Ready kit of supplies that may be needed following a tornado. PLAN TO TAKE SHELTER •If local authorities issue a tornado warning or if you see a funnel cloud, take shelter immediately. •If underground shelter is not available, go into an inte rior room on the lowest floor possible. •A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide ade quate protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if pos sible. •If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low- lying area. STAY INFORMED •Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available. •After a tornado, stay out of damaged buildings and stay clear of downed power lines. •Help injured or trapped people. Check on others who may require special assis tance, such as the elderly, children and people with dis abilities. Visit www.ready.ga.gov for more Georgia-specific torna do preparedness information and to create a customized Ready kit checklist and com munications plan for your family or business. Randy Saye honored '. A The Athens Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution held its annual George Washington Birthday Celebration Dinner Sunday evening in the Oak Room of the UGA Georgia Center. Two S.A.R. Emergency Medical Service Commendation Medals were presented. The first went to EMT Randy Saye who was accompanied by his wife Renee and EMS Director Dwayne Patton and Lyn Patton. Mr. Saye was honored for his outstanding and dedicated service to Madison County as an EMT. Easter egg hunt set for April 4 The 22 nd annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 4, at 10 a.m. the Madison County Recreation Department. The egg hunt is free of charge and open to al children ages 8 and under, officials said. Participants are asked to bring a canned food item to donate to the Madison County Food Bank. Children will be divided into four age divisions: 2 and under; 3-4 year olds; 5-6 year olds and 7-8 year olds. There will be over 4.000 eggs, 20 prizes and plenty of fun for everyone, orga nizers said. In case of inclement weather, the rain date is Saturday, April 11, at 10 a.m. For more information, call the recreation department at 706-795-6270. Buckle Up. It’s the law! The Children’s The Madison County Journal is your source for local news. Call 706-795-2567 to subscribe. $ 5 00 0FF Ticket Of s 2CP° Or More. Valid with coupon Mon.-Thurs. only. La Hacienda Commerce La Hacienda Braselton 173 Steven B. Tanger Blvd. 5391 Highway 53 706-335-7458 706-654-0070 j^T/ie Original Mexican Restaurant! Not affiliated with any other restaurant j Wear Outlet WAREHOUSE SALE 4 days only! March 25 th - 28 th Wed, Thu, Fri -10 AM to 7 PM Saturday -10 AM to 5 PM Georgia Mountains Center Name brands you love and nothing over $8.00! 0^# socks crib sheets NOW HALF PRICE! HALF PRICE! NOW $2! hooded towels half PRICE! now $1.50! Thorne Equipment Company 8 mi. NE of Homer on Hwy. 198 706-677-3579 or 800-633-4306 Always FREE Admission Cash & Charge Only. No Checks Please. www.theGhildrenswearoutlet.com