Hurricane Season Preparedness

September marks the height of hurricane season. Prepare now and beat the rush for supplies and shelter. Don’t forget personnel that may need additional assistance due to injury or illness.

Before the storm:

• Make a kit of emergency supplies for basic survival – including several days worth of food, water, clean air and life-sustaining items such as prescriptions.

• Make a plan for what you and your family will do in an emergency – map out your route and don’t forget your pets and livestock. Use Georgia State Evacuation Route Map to plan multiple routes. https://www.511ga.org/static/extras-hurricane.html

• Gather important documents and take inventory of your property and belongings.
   
• You might consider boarding up windows and doors and make sure you secure loose items in your yards or bring them inside.

• Move your furniture away from doors and windows.  Take photographs of your items should you have to file damage claims after the storm.

• Fill your car with gasoline and pull out some cash in case banks and ATMs are temporarily closed.

• Have plywood, nails and screws ready to cover windows and protect your home.

• Trim trees and shrubs around your home. 

• Close storm shutters if you have them. 

• Turn off propane gas if you use it for heating or cooking.

• Obey evacuation orders. 

During the storm:

• Georgia Public Radio will provide updates on road and traffic conditions in the event of a hurricane. Tune into these FM stations for severe weather information.

• Do not run water during lighting storms or enter flooded areas or touch electrical equipment while the ground is wet.

• If you’ve lost power for more than a few hours, turn off your range, toaster oven, iron and other items to ensure optimal safety for whenever power is restored.

• Turn off air conditions and water heaters to prevent system overloads.

• Make sure your generator is grounded (If you have one). 

• Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors.

• Pay attention to public announcements to ensure drinking water isn’t contaminated.

After the storm:

• Continue to monitor the Weather on local radio or TV stations for any updates on the storm.

• If you are in need of food, water, clothing, cleaning supplies of minor medical care, please contact the American Red Cross.

• Inspect your home for damage – take photographs of damage for future claims.

• Discard any food or water that came into contact with flood water to avoid contamination.

• Avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges. 

Finally, check in with family and neighbors to alert them that you are safe from harm.