For many residents in and around Tybee, gathering sandbags for storm preparation is a way of life.
Kelly Swopes has been a resident of Whitemarsh Island and owner of Kelly & Company, an essential oils store, since 2016. A Pennsylvania native, she's accustomed to snow. Before Hurricane Idalia and Ian, for her, was Hurricane Matthew.
"I started my business in March (2016) and in October was Matthew, so I was just christened really well," Swopes said. "I just had no idea what to do, so I just looked at it like a snowstorm and I just prepared and hoped for the best. I happened to have really good business neighbors that helped me understand what to do and how to go about doing it."
To prepare, now, Swopes is moving all of her outside furniture and plants inside and using sandbags to stop water from getting into her store. City of Tybee Island officials notified residents Monday that they would be able to pick up sandbags from Memorial Park on Tuesday. Swopes picked up 10 of them.
She said that for others who are new to the area and might not know what to do the only advice she has is to not get worked up into a frenzy.
"Just kind of stay calm," Swopes said. "And try to pay attention to what's going on."
Tybee Island Maritime Academy Principal Peter Ulrich has worked at the school for the past five years. This is his third or fourth time preparing for a storm. He echoed Swopes sentiment as he and four other colleagues filled 50 sandbags Tuesday afternoon.
“Be mindful of the checklists that are out there,” Ulrich said. “Take it seriously. Be mindful of what the potential of the storm could be. For the most part, I think we all just try to take as rational approach as we can to getting ready.”
Ulrich said that every time a major storm comes, they do pretty much the same thing; gather sandbags, put them around the many single and double exterior entrances to the school, communicate with the families, prepare the students about what to expect, and ensure they're working with emergency management and the school system.
Tim Dare, who works at Wilmington Urgent Care, also gathered sandbags. He said from a medical standpoint, everyone should make sure they have the updated medications and anything they may need for the next couple of days.
"I would recommend following the guidelines, too," Dare said. "Many people think, 'Oh, I got this,' and they're not following the guidelines. And they think they can handle themselves and they really can't. Then they put themselves and others into danger."
The City of Tybee Island posted on their Facebook page that they were in OPCON 3, which is a condition issued when the County is placed into a watch or warning. Tybee is expected to see the most impact from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 8 a.m. Thursday.
City officials recommend residents in low-lying areas stay alert for possible flooding. It has not yet been confirmed, but the closure of U.S. 80 is possible on Wednesday night due to flooding.
Officials also said that the recycling trailer will be pulled. If residents need to recycle, they should come to the Department of Public Works yard. On Friday morning, free dumping will be allowed for storm damage.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: ‘Take it seriously.’ Tybee Island residents prepare for Hurricane Idalia
MEET OUR PARTNER
Today’s story comes from our partner, Savannah Morning News. Savannah Morning News provides daily news coverage on Coastal Georgia. Visit them at savannahnow.com or on Twitter @SavannahNow.
If you have any feedback or questions about our partnerships, you can contact Senior Manager of Partnerships Nicole Williams via email at nicole.williams@ajc.com.
