Hurricane season officially began on June 1st, but there is a so-called “season within the season.” According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, Mid-August through mid-October accounts for 78 percent of the tropical storm days, 87 percent of the category 1 and 2 hurricane days and 96 percent of the major (category 3m 4 and 5) days.
Mary Ann Adams is Disaster Response Manager with OnStar she says there are three things Georgians should to do to prepare for the worst, starting with building a kit.
“And in that kit, you want to include essential supplies. Things like water, nonperishable food items, batteries and flashlights, even a first aid kit,” Adams said. “The other things you want to think about are the special needs that your family members have. Make sure you include a supply of prescription medication and last include food and water for your pets.”
In addition, Adams says Peach residents should make a plan and rehearse it so everyone knows what to do during an emergency. That should induce a meeting place for everyone, an evacuation plan. She also says residents should stay informed by paying attention to weather announcements.
Hurricanes aren’t the only emergency conditions Georgians should prepare for.
“Wildfires, you want to pay attention if you’re told to evacuate, you want to evacuate; during flooding you want to stay off those roads. You do not want to drive through flooded waters.”
According to NOAA, Georgia suffered some of the highest losses compared to its Gross State product due to hurricane Michael, behind only Florida and North Carolina.
Visit www.noaa.gov for more information.