It’s Severe Weather Awareness Week in Georgia. Emergency Management agencies say a great time to make sure you have everything from a good safety plan in place to the right supplies.

Richmond County EMA Director, Chief Howard Willis, shows off a new mapping system to track the county's emergency crews. He says while they're prepared for possible weather emergencies many homeowners are not.

“We see traffic accidents pick up, the stress of people, they just get excited,” he said.

To avoid stress during severe weather make sure your home has an updated safety plan; everything from an escape plan to protect yourself inside your home in case of a tornado. Our Chief Meteorologist Jeff Rucker says our Severe Weather Outlook will give you tons of information.

“It's got all the facts you need to know about severe weather, taking shelter and how to develop a plan and more,” he said.

Chief Willis says make sure that plan includes updating your home safety equipment and supplies in case of a power outage.

“You need to be careful if you use candles if you lose power, use battery operated lightning equipment,” he said.

If you have a weather radio, make sure to check its working.

“Check the batteries in them make sure they have a battery back up in them and listen for when they make notices on TV,” said Willis.

You also want to make sure you have all emergency numbers handy and check in on your neighbors.