Hurricane Season begins ; time to prepare
By Brandy Mai
Weather forecasters across the nation have been predicting near-to-above-average hurricane activity in the weeks leading up to the 2018 hurricane season , which begins June 1 . With those predictions being broadcast , along with the state of Georgia being impacted by a major storm in each of the last two seasons , it is time for Georgians to get themselves and their families prepared .
“ These forecasts are for the amount of activity , not the amount of damage or number of lives in danger ,” explained Will Lanxton , meteorologist for Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency . “ However , it ’ s still imperative that citizens take all the necessary steps to be ready .”
According to emergency management professionals , citizens should always have a hurricane preparedness plan despite any seasonal predictions . Ready Georgia assists residents with making plans for before , during and after a storm . Plans should include stocking up on needed supplies , as well as ways to communicate with family members . Lessons learned from Hurricanes Matthew and Irma can help provide valuable information on the best ways to prepare for any impacts this season .
Hurricane Matthew made landfall in October 2016 and wreaked havoc on the coastal counties with heavy rain and winds , storm surge , downed power lines , and loss of cellular connectivity . Household and individual assistance costs reached $ 6.6 million , with $ 91.6 million in public assistance also being approved .
Less than a year later , in September 2017 , Hurricane Irma made landfall across the state , leaving three people dead and 1.5 million people without power when the storm and its tropical storm force winds covered Georgia . As of May 15 , more than $ 13.5 million in individual assistance has been approved for Hurricane Irmarelated damage , and $ 33 million in public assistance funding has been approved , according to Dawson .
With a near-to-above average hurricane season predicted and the previous two storms costing so much in damages ( as well as loss of life and property ), it is prudent that residents begin the preparation process . According to the Ready Georgia site and smartphone app , here are some ways to begin preparing for a storm .”
Before
• Get a Ready kit and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate .
• Make a family communications and evaculation plan .
• Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane .
• A tropical storm / hurricane watch means sustained tropical storm ( 39 mph to 73 mph ) / hurricane ( 74 mph and higher ) force winds are possible within 48 hours . Be prepared to evacuate .
• A tropical storm / hurricane warning means sustained tropical storm ( 39 mph to 73 mph ) / hurricane ( 74 mph and higher ) force winds are expected within 36 hours . If local authorities advise you to evacuate , leave immediately .
During
• Listen to the radio or TV or
download the Ready Georgia app .
• Secure your home , close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors .
• Avoid using the phone , except for serious emergencies .
• Moor your boat if time permits .
• Have a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets . Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water .
After
• Stay out of flood waters , if possible . Should you find yourself trapped in your vehicle in rising water , get out immediately and seek higher ground .
• Stay away from downed power lines .
• Do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe . Follow the warnings and advisories from your local officials .
DISPATCH