By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—Jerry Tracey, chief meteorologist at Alabama 13 News, will lead a tornado and weather safety program at the Pelham Public Library at 2 p.m. on Aug. 2.

“We’re really excited to have him,” Pelham Public Library Adult Services Coordinator David Smith said. “I knew that he had done programs for area schools and I thought, ‘Why not do a program for families?’”

Tracey’s program will focus on tornado safety. He will cover safety preparations, such as planning a safe place, packing an emergency bag and other “little tips” to stay safe, Smith explained.

“The main reason I wanted to do this program is that we haven’t had a major (weather) occurrence in Pelham in quite some time and people can become complacent,” Smith said. “Many people don’t have a plan in case bad weather comes.”

Tracey’s presentation will also touch on some more technical subjects, such as “understanding the mechanics of a tornado” and the severe April 27, 2011, tornado outbreak, and he will field questions from the audience at the close of the program, Smith said.

After the program, the Pelham Public Library will do a drawing to select two audience members to receive a weather radio.

Weather radios are key to keeping safe during bad weather, Smith explained, adding “it’s benefitted us at the library having one because we’re able to get people to safety” before the weather hits.

The program is free to all who wish to attend, but seating is limited. Smith encouraged anyone interested in the program to pre-register by calling the Pelham Public Library at 620-6418.