Ready.gov has helpful information on preparing for a hurricane. Below are some quick tips you may not have thought about.

  1. Start running your ice maker now and bagging the ice in freezer bags. Fill as much space in between your freezer items as you can. Keeping your freezer full helps to regulate the temperature inside.
  2. Freeze tap water so you have water to drink and for your pets. Don’t fill the bottles to the top, because ice expands.
  3. Use your phone to take photos of important documents. Email the photos to family out of state. You should also save them in the cloud or other online storage.  If you don’t have a safe and can’t remove items from your home, you can protect items by storing them in sealed containers or plastic bags and putting them up high.
  4. Make sure you have a “to go box” that includes your medications and pet medications.
  5. If you are leaving behind heirlooms, photos and other memorabilia, seal what you can in plastic bags and bins. Place them in a high place or on second floor. You don’t know if your home will be hit with wind, rain, flooding, or a combination.
  6. Placing old rags and towels around windowsills and at the bottom of doors can help to reduce water seeping in.
  7. Charge all your devices and remember to take the chargers with you when you evacuate.
  8. Make sure you have cash on hand and your vehicles have a full tank of gas.
  9. Share your evacuation plans with family and friends so they know you are safe.
  10. Follow the local authorities to know to when you need to evacuate. A great way to track the storm is the FEMA mobile App. Georgians can also download the Ready Georgia App.

Additional Resources from UGA Extension:

  • The Family & Consumer Sciences Extension site includes resources on food safety, managing your finances, caring for your family, and rebuilding your home.
  • The UGA Extension site provides emergency resources and information to connect to local county Extension offices for assistance and information.

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