process during Hurricane Irma was
much smoother than Hurricane
Matthew the previous year. She
attributes part of this change to two
things: having your medical records
handy as an evacuee and updates
from the local health department
on any changes in the evacuation
process prior to hurricane season.
According to the National
Weather Service, Hurricane Irma
was one of the strongest storms
recorded in the Atlantic basin
and the longest lived storm of that
intensity anywhere in the satellite
era. The storm damage took many
coastal residents by surprise, which
is why local health departments are
encouraging residents to register
even when skies are clear.
“It’s hard to think about getting
on the registry when it’s 83 degrees
outside, blue skies and sunny but
that doesn’t mean there won’t be a
threat,” Silbermann said.
“Find out if you’re eligible, that
way if the time comes we know who
you are and where we can find you
to safely evacuate.”
As of May 2018, the list has
334 total residents, of these, 219
reside in Chatham County alone.
Meteorologists have predicted a
very busy 2018 hurricane season
so the best time to register is now.
If you or someone you know
would like to check for eligibility
or apply, visit www.gachd.org/
registry.
Residents can also call toll-free,
1-833-CHD-REGISTER or
1-833-243-7344.
Counties served by
the Hurricane Registry
Bryan
Camden
Chatham
Effingham
Glynn
Liberty
Long
McIntosh
DISPATCH