Live disaster-ready

By Julie Jordan
Published September 12, 2018

As hurricane season begins, it's important to take time to prepare yourself and your family. In addition to buying the right supplies, this means keeping a mindset of preparedness. Live prepared, and when disaster strikes, put your knowledge into action more easily.

“Customize your supplies and plans to include specific medications, important documents and a list of friends and loved ones to check on at times of an emergency,” said Eric Jens, DPH risk communicator.

On nature’s side, Georgia has seen hurricanes, floods, thunderstorms and lightening throughout its history. Mass shootings and other man-made atrocities also occur in the state, as the total number of incidents continues to rise globally.

If you live disaster-ready, using the tips below, you may be able to reduce the burden of such disasters.

Natural disaster prep:

  1. Review your personal information, policies and supplies. Do you have enough insurance on your home? What about life insurance? Could you cover the cost of a funeral? Gather financial, personal, household and medical information. To review supplies you should have on hand, visit ready.ga.gov. 
  2. Consider purchasing flood insurance. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.
  3. Tackle home improvements. Check your foundation, your windows. Is there a body of water nearby? Where will you stay safe during a bad storm or hurricane?
  4. Make necessary car repairs. In case an evacuation is ordered in your area, make sure your car is ready to travel long distances.
  5. Never walk or drive through flood waters. One of the most common ways people hurt themselves in a storm is by trying to drive through flood waters. Instead, remember: turn around, don’t drown. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. Only 12 inches of rushing water can carry away a small car, and two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
  6. Use helpful apps. Make the most of your smart phone during a storm. Download Ready Georgia app from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency or GEMA. Track the progress of severe weather using a weather app. Use gas apps and travel apps to determine fuel and lodging prices and availability near you.  
  7. Follow accurate sources on social media. The fastest way to receive updated news is through Twitter. Follow FEMA, GEMA, the Governor, GDOT, local news, NOAA, and of course DPH. Also use Facebook to check-in and notify friends and family that you are safe.       

Man-made atrocity prep:

  1. Use ‘Run. Hide. Fight.’ In the event of an active shooter, remember these three lifesaving tips.
  2. Identify exits at crowded events. Senseless tragedies often occur at crowded events, like a concert. Be aware of the exits at these events, so you can escape quickly if necessary.
  3. Don’t hesitate to call 911. If you see suspicious activity, report it to the police. The more information they have, the more quickly they can help everyone to safety.