As of Thursday, Hurricane Irma is on a track toward Florida and possibly other areas of the Southeast. As evacuations in Florida are underway, residents in coastal Georgia and the Carolinas are being urged to make preparations for a probable landfall in their areas.
Here are some of the things you should have complete by Thursday evening if you live along the coast of Georgia and the Carolinas.
Here is information from a Ready.gov publication that includes a checklist of what to do in advance of the storm.
Basic tropical weather preparedness tips:
1. Know your hurricane risk. Talk to your local emergency management agency.
2. Make an emergency plan.
3. Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
4. Put together a go-bag disaster supply kit that includes a flashlight, batteries, cash, first-aid supplies, medications and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.
5. If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
6. Make a family emergency communication plan.
7. Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet using your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”
8. Stay tuned for local wireless emergency alerts, TV or radio for weather updates, emergency instructions, or evacuation orders.
Preparing your home:
1. Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall. If you can trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
2. Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property. Clear your yard of unsecured items such as lawn chairs.
3. Purchase a portable generator. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and never try to power your house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.
Click here for tips on safely using a generator.
What do the watches and warnings mean:
Hurricane watch
A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (winds greater than 74 mph, high waves, rain, etc.) are possible within the next 48 hours.
Steps to take:
1. Review your evacuation route(s) and listen to local officials.
2. Review the items in your disaster supply kit and add items to meet the household needs for children, parents, individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs or pets.
Hurricane warning
A hurricane warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
Steps to take:
1. Follow evacuation orders from local officials, if given.
2. Check-in in with family and friends.
3. Follow the hurricane timeline preparedness checklist below, depending on when the storm is anticipated to hit and the impact that is projected for your location.
Hurricane timeline preparedness checklist
What to do when a storm is 36 hours from arriving
1. Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
2. Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least three days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash and first-aid supplies.
3. Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
4. Review your evacuation plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly, so plan ahead.
5. Keep your car in good working condition and the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
What to do when a storm is 18-36 hours from arriving
1. Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
2. Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g. patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g. propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the nearby structures.
3. Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
What to do when a storm is 6-18 hours from arriving
1. Turn on your TV or radio, or check your city or county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
2. Charge your cellphone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
What to do when a storm is 6 hours from arriving
1. If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
2. Close storm shutters and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
3. Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
4. Turn on your TV or radio, or check your city or county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
More information:
You can find more tips on what to do if a storm is headed your way by clicking here.
You can find more tips on what to do if a storm is headed your way by clicking here.
Click here for a checklist of supplies provided by FEMA. The Red Cross offers this list.
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