North Central Health District

COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS

NCHD Encourages Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Season

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May 7 – 13 is Hurricane Preparedness Week and a perfect time to prepare.

Hurricanes are one of the most destructive natural forces. As they make landfall, the tropical storms can cause major damage through heavy rains, flooding and high winds that can send debris flying. Just last year, Georgia was greatly affected by Hurricane Matthew as it made its way up the coast.

While North Central Health District (NCHD) is away from the coast, it is important to prepare for hurricanes as they move inland and the heavy winds of the storm can lead to property damage, power outages, and other hazardous situations.

Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 7 – 13, is your time to prepare for these storms before hurricane season, which typically begins in June and lasts through November. It is important to have a plan for you and your family before the season begins, while you can plan without pressure. Without a plan, stress can lead you to make wrong decisions during a hurricane. Preparation makes it easier to weather the storm when it hits.

Prepare a disaster kit for your home. Your disaster kit should contain enough supplies to not only get you through the storm, but also the potentially long recovery period. Kits should contain nonperishable food and water to sustain you and each member of your family for 72 hours or longer. Each disaster kit should include:

  • Water – 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
  • Food – nonperishable packaged food for 3 to 7 days. Remember to include food for infants and the elderly (if applicable), utensils and anything that may be needed to cook foods.
  • Bedding – blankets, pillows, etc.
  • Clothing – comfortable clothes, rain gear, sturdy shoes, etc.
  • First aid kit – include any prescription drugs or medication as necessary
  • Toiletries – deodorant, toothpaste, other hygiene items
  • Flashlight – include extra batteries
  • Radio – battery operated and NOAA weather radio
  • Phones – fully charged cellphone with extra battery and charger
  • Cash and credit cards – banks and ATMs may not be available
  • Important documents – IDs, insurance, medical info, Social Security cards in a waterproof container or resalable bag
  • Keys – home, vehicle, etc.
  • Pet care items – pet food, water, a carrier or cage

Create an emergency plan. Your plan should include where you plan to ride out the storm and multiple places to evacuate to if necessary and the evacuation routes you will use. Make sure to establish how family members will contact each other and establish an emergency contact number for someone outside of the state that knows where you are during an emergency. Be sure to include pets, infants and elderly or disabled family members that may require extra care during a hurricane. Make plans in advance and practice to be ready for when a storm comes.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit Ready.gov, or contact your local Emergency Management Agency.

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