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SPALDING COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ENCOURAGES ALL CITIZENS TO GET READY FOR EXTREME WEATHER

October 8th, 2018

Hurricane Michael has intensified and is expected to make landfall this week. Advance warning is the most powerful preparedness tool for severe weather. Every family should have multiple methods for receiving severe weather alerts, including at least one with an audible alert to wake you in the middle of the night if necessary.

Georgia experiences an incredibly broad range of weather — everything from tornadoes to hurricanes with the occasional ice storm and earthquake activity. Learn more about protecting yourself in the face of severe weather and other emergencies. Keep this information with you all the time by downloading the Ready Georgia app. You can download the free Ready Georgia mobile app for weather alerts, traffic updates and preparedness information for people on the go.

Visit Ready Georgia’s website ready.ga.gov and create an online profile to receive a tailored plan for your family. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes. Make a plan today. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. Address the unique needs of pets, older loved ones and family members with special needs in your plan. Be sure to sign up with Civic Ready for your local alerts on www.spaldingcounty.com

BE INFORMED:

  • Get a Ready kit and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate.
  • Make a family communications plan.
  • Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.
  • A tropical storm/hurricane watch means sustained tropical storm (39 mph to 73 mph) / hurricane (74 mph and higher) force winds are possible within 48 hours. Be prepared to evacuate.
  • A tropical storm/hurricane warning means sustained tropical storm (39 mph to 73 mph) / hurricane (74 mph and higher) force winds are expected within 36 hours. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
  • Make an evacuation plan for your family.
  • Prepare to secure your property.
  • Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
  • Keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed to make them more wind-resistant.
  • If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.
  • Plan ahead for your pets. Shelters cannot accept pets due to health reasons, so it’s important to find a pet-friendly hotel or make arrangements with family or friends in advance.

PREPARE NOW:

  • Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
  • Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
  • Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
  • Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
  • Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
  • Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
  • Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
  • Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

For more information, contact Spalding County Emergency Management (770) 228-2129.

Spalding County, GA