Hurricane Safety Information
Real-time Hurricane Imagery
Your Home Emergency Kit
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
foods for infants or the elderly
snack foods
non-electric can opener
cooking tools / fuel
paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items
proper identification / immunization records / medications
ample supply of food and water
a carrier or cage
muzzle and leash
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
HURRICANE WATCH
A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 36 hours |
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Fill up your car with gas. |
Secure buildings. |
Review evacuation plan. |
Listen to a radio or
television for official
instructions. |
Check your family's
emergency supplies. |
Bring in outdoor objects
(i.e. toys, garden tools). |
Turn refrigerator and
freezer to coldest settings. |
Secure outdoor objects
which cannot be brought
inside (i.e. boats, lawnmower). |
Store drinking water in
clean bathtubs, jugs,
bottles, and cooking utensils. |
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HURRICANE WARNING
A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less. |
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Listen to a radio or television for official instructions. |
If in a mobile home, check tie downs and prepare to evacuate. |
Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container. |
Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. |
Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. |
Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light. |
If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored. |
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EVACUATING
If asked to evacuate, please keep in mind that the decision was based on your safety. |
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Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter. |
Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going. |
Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing. |
Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges. |
Lock up home and leave. |
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PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY
Develop a Family Disaster Supply Kit if in the event you are affected by an emergency. Your kit may include the following: |
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Flashlight and extra batteries |
Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries |
First aid kit and manual |
Emergency food and water |
Non-electric can opener |
Essential medicines |
Cash and credit cards |
Sturdy shoes |
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PROTECTING YOUR HOME
Your home is
one of your most valuable assets. The information provided serves as a guide to help you protect it. |
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Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use at least 1/2 inch plywood cut to fit each window. |
Remember to mark which board fits which window. |
Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. |
Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. |
Check into flood insurance. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. There is a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. Homeowners polices generally do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane. |
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THE AFTERMATH
After the storm hits the area, be alert and watch for news from your area. |
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Help injured or trapped persons. |
Give first aid where appropriate. |
Do not move seriously injured persons. Call for help. |
Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so. |
Inspect the outside of your home and surrounding area before attempting to enter. If you are unsure of the stability of the structure, DO NOT ENTER. |
Enter your home with caution. |
Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately. |
Check refrigerated foods for spoilage. |
Use telephone only for emergency calls. |
Stay tuned to local radio for information. |
Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home. |
Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water. |
Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents and for insurance claims. |
Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. |
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Homeowner's Guide to Earthquake Hazards in Georgia
By, Leland Timothy Long
School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Georgia Institute of Technology |
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When earthquake hazards are discussed, Georgia is not the first state to be mentioned. Earthquakes in Georgia are rare compared to the long history of damaging earthquakes which are associated with California's active San Andreas Fault zone. Movements along active faults like the San Andreas explain 85% of the earthquakes in the world. The rest are scattered over areas like Georgia that lack clearly defined active faults. These scattered earthquakes in Georgia the eastern United States have caused significant damage and can be an important consideration for homeowners.
Because earthquakes are less frequent in the eastern United States than in California, we are not constantly reminded of our seismic hazard by frequent small earthquakes. Never-the-less the historical record of earthquakes in the southeastern United States and Georgia (figure 1) makes it clear that earthquakes and their associated seismic hazards exist. Damages from eastern United States earthquakes are largely forgotten because the last great earthquake was over 100 years ago. The 1886 Charleston, S.C., earthquake killed nearly 60 people and devastated the city. Also, some seismologist argue that while earthquakes in the eastern United States are less frequent, the large earthquakes cause damage over much larger areas and would affect more people than earthquakes of similar size in the western United States. In Georgia, calculations of seismic hazard indicate that large earthquakes outside our borders are as likely to cause damage in Georgia as earthquakes of any size occurring within Georgia.
Read the entire article
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