Atlanta, GA,
13
September
2018
|
17:25 PM
America/New_York

Hurricane and Tropical Storm Preparedness

Important things to consider when creating an emergency preparedness plan.

Hurricane Florence is currently a dangerous Category 2 hurricane. The storm is expected to cause flash flooding, major river flooding and forceful winds along the coast of the Carolinas over the next several days

Below are resources and information for emergency prepardness.

Important Things to Consider When Creating an Emergency Preparedness Plan and Supply Kit:

  • Have enough food and water to last at least three days (per person). Non-perishable and can foods are best in case of a loss of electricity. An average person needs about one gallon of water per day. And don’t forget to have three days’ worth of food and water for your pets.
  • Have enough prescription medication on hand to last a minimum of three days.
  • Make sure you have necessities like a manual can opener, battery operated light sources, portable weather radio, a first aid kit and hygiene products.
  • Keep cell phones and electronic devices charged (and have portable battery devices charged) in case there is a loss of electricity.
  • Make a family plan that includes how to evacuate and/or reach/assist family members who may need additional assistance such as older family members or family members with disabilities/access and functional needs.
  • Discuss and practice your family communication and evacuation plan with all of your family members (including children).
  • If you have to evacuate, make sure to take your emergency supply kit with you and don’t forget to include flares, physical maps, jumper cables, extra cans of gas, and blankets.
  • Keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed to make them more wind-resistant.
  • Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
  • Know your area’s flood risk.
  • Make sure your homeowners insurance is up to date and includes the necessary protections, like flood insurance.
  • Remember if there is a loss of electricity, ATM machines and debit/credit cards will not work. If possible, have an emergency cash fund that you can access during an emergency or prior to evacuating.
  • Secure your windows/doors and know how to shut off the gas or power to your home if it becomes necessary.
  • Stay on top of the latest news.

For more emergency preparedness and planning tips and how to stay safe during a hurricane, please visit Ready Georgia.

For emergency preparedness and planning tips for individuals with disabilities/access and functional needs, please visit: http://ready.ga.gov/make-a-plan/georgians-with-access-functional-needs/ 

For tips on driving smart, please visit the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Resource links to help you plan and prepare in the case of a hurricane: 

For updated information from the National Hurricane Center which is issuing advisories for Hurricane Florence, please visit: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/#Florence

For Georgia weather related mobile alerts, please download the Ready Georgia app, which can be found here: http://ready.ga.gov/

For customized Emergency Preparedness supply checklists for families, pet owners, seniors, individuals with disabilities and businesses, please visit Federal Emergency Management Agency’s webpage.

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