Severe Weather Awareness Week is February 29 - March 6 and is a group effort by state, federal and local agencies, volunteer organizations and concerned citizens to increase public awareness about preparedness and safety when severe weather strikes.

This week, the City of Arlington Office of Emergency Management is helping to spread the word to Arlington residents.

"Severe weather can strike at any time of the year, but is most likely to occur in the spring and summer," said Emergency Management Coordinator Eric Carter. "Public awareness and advance preparation helps to reduce the risk of severe injury or death."

The City of Arlington Office of Emergency Management joins the Texas Department of Public Safety, the National Weather Service and the Department of Homeland Security to urge all citizens to prepare for severe weather and educate themselves about safety and preparation.

The City of Arlington has placed information on its cable channel and website and distributed informational flyers and brochures in city buildings and public libraries to increase awareness.

Mayor Robert Cluck encourages all residents to assemble a preparedness kit of important emergency supplies such as batteries, a battery operated radio and bottled water.

"It is very important that we all prepare ourselves for severe weather," Cluck said. "Being prepared can mean the difference between life and serious injury or death."