Hurricane Preparedness

The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through November 30. Middle and Southwest Georgia have been hit by hurricanes, including the devastating Hurricane Michael (2018). These extreme weather events have been increasing in number and intensity in the past years, causing billions of dollars of damage for families, businesses, and communities across the United States.
 
One way to help minimize the danger posed by these storms as well as mitigate the damage they cause and recover from them is to be prepared and know what resources are out there for you. Ready.gov/hurricanes is a great, one-stop federal website with information about how to prepare, stay safe during, and return home after a hurricane.
 
Also, please check out the hurricane and disaster preparedness workshop hosted by the USDA Georgia Farm Service Agency. The event was hosted in Athens, GA but the you can watch the workshop online USDA GA FSA YouTube Channel.
 
During storm season it is important to pay attention to updates from the local media outlets. Also, contact my office with any needs or concerns you may have. If any of our district offices are ever required to evacuate, you can always reach my staff in our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-3631.
 

What should you do before a hurricane?

Have a plan. The best way to minimize your danger and potential for damage is to be prepared by having a plan in place and knowing what resources are available to you at the local, state, and federal level.
 
Understanding the vulnerabilities of your residence to a hurricane - the storm surge, flooding, and winds - is also important.
 
Read more about what you should know and how you can plan on weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan.
 

What do you do when a hurricane storm is present?

As a hurricane approaches, your preparation is key but how you act in the moment is also important.
 
Secure your residence and be sure to have the ability to tune into emergency information services - even if the power goes out.
 
Be familiar with your evacuation route in case it is required.
 
Learn more about how you can improve your safety during a hurricane at weather.gov/safety/hurricane-action.
 

What can you do after a hurricane?

If you happen to be evacuated before/during the hurricane, it is important to know how to return home safely and how to keep tuned in for emergency information and updates.
 
Remember, even if your immediate vicinity is relatively unharmed during the storm, surrounding communities or routes vital to serving your area may be impacted.
 
What are some things to consider in the aftermath of a hurricane? You can read more at weather.gov/safety/hurricane-after.
 

How does the federal government get involved in the aftermath of a hurricane?

Should the U.S. President declare a major disaster, resources may become available to communities through FEMA. Learn more on FEMA's website about the process by which a disaster is declared and the types of assistance that may be available if so.
 

Additional Resources

Some Tips to Be Prepared
 
  • Properly protect your windows. Bring in lawn items - like furniture, toys, trash cans, etc. - that can fly through windows.
  • Know how to shut off utilities. Know where gas pilots are located and how your heating and cooling systems work.
  • Know your evacuation routes and contraflow procedures.
  • Make sure you have important personal documents like Social Security cards, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, and birth/marriage certificates ready to move and protected from the elements. Make a record of these documents and all valuable possessions.
  • Have your automobile fully fueled. This is important not only in case of an evacuation, but also in case the storm impacts the ability of local fuel stations to operate in the storm's aftermath (because of damage or loss of power).
  • Have food/water, medical supplies, emergency power/batteries and other supplies necessary to survive on your own for a few days, just in case.
  • If you are receiving public benefits (e.g. Social Security, Veterans Benefits, etc.) you may wish to consider direct deposit so that you can continue to receive them in the event that your residence is inaccessible in the aftermath of the storm.
Georgia Information and Resources
 
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) | Storms & Disasters as well as Hurricanes, specifically.
 
Georgia Department of Public Health | Before, During, and After a Hurricane
 
Federal Department and Agency Information and Resources
 
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Also, FEMA is the managing partner of the Disaster Assistance Improvement Program (www.DisasterAssistance.gov). DAIP's mission is to provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint data-sharing efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners.
 
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
U.S. Department of the Treasury
 
Issues:Building Our CommunitiesDisaster Relief & Preparedness