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