Hurricane Safety Tips

Hurricane season begins in June and runs through November. Most residents of Georgia can feel the effects of major storms and hurricanes that form in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, but residents along the coast are, of course, the most vulnerable.

Last year, eight of the 14 named tropical storms became hurricanes. This year officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are predicting that five to seven hurricanes could threaten coastal areas from Texas to Maine.

The common thread among all major hurricane disasters is the lack of hurricane education and preparedness. Becoming aware of your vulnerability and what actions you should take can help reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

Tips for basic preparedness

• Educate yourself about the meaning of the terms tropical storm, hurricane watch and hurricane warning.
• Listen for official storm bulletins.
• Learn evacuation routes and prepare an evacuation plan.
• Assemble a disaster supply kit of dry food, safe drinking water, medical supplies, blankets, flashlights, battery-operated radios, and fire extinguishers.
• Review your insurance policies for protection against storm, wind, and flood damage.
• Complete an inventory of personal property.
• Have vehicles fueled.
• Cover windows with storm shutters or with sheets of plywood.
• Secure outside objects, such as lawn furniture and grills.
• Provide for pets. Have a secure pet carrier and leash.
• Know to take refuge in the basement or a small interior room, closet or hallway away from windows or doors.