Home Safety – Hurricane Evacuation Plan

As residents of Savannah, GA, we’re no strangers to the potential impact of hurricanes. With their unpredictable nature and devastating consequences, it’s crucial to have a well-thought-out plan in place to ensure the safety of our homes and families. In this blog post, we’ll outline a comprehensive hurricane evacuation plan tailored specifically for Savannah residents, along with tips on fortifying your home and protecting yourself during a storm.

Step 1: Preparing for Hurricane Season

Before hurricane season begins, take proactive steps to prepare yourself and your home for potential storms. The main:

• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of local weather forecasts and hurricane warnings through trusted sources like NOAA Weather Radio or local news channels.
• Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit containing essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, medications, important documents, cash, and clothing. Ensure your kit is easily accessible and up to date.
• Evacuation Route: Plan primary and alternative evacuation routes in case roads become impassable. Familiarize yourself with designated evacuation shelters in your area and have a plan for where you’ll go if you need to evacuate.
• Communication: Establish a communication plan with family members or friends outside the area. Agree on a check-in procedure to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

Step 2: When a Hurricane Warning is Issued

Once a hurricane warning is issued for our area, it’s time to take action:

• Monitor Updates: Stay tuned to local authorities for updates on the hurricane’s path and intensity. Remain vigilant and prepared to act accordingly.
• Secure Your Home: Take steps to fortify your home and minimize potential damage:
  • Bring outdoor furniture, decorations, and garbage cans inside.
  • Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood. It is best to purchase these before anything should happen as the hardware store can sell out of these materials. If you have an Attic you can store the plywood as floor decking and use when you need it.
  • Reinforce garage doors and vulnerable entry points.
  • Trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of falling branches.
  • Consider purchasing a Backup Generator, Water Filtration System and canned foods incase you have to hunker down.
• Prepare Your Property: Anchor down outdoor structures, clear gutters and drains, and turn off utilities if instructed to do so by authorities.
• Evacuation Decision: Follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities promptly and without hesitation. If you decide to stay, ensure you have sufficient supplies and a safe shelter within your home.

Step 3: During the Hurricane

As the hurricane approaches, prioritize your safety:

• Stay Indoors: Remain indoors and away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. Seek shelter in an interior room or basement, if available.
• Stay Informed: Continuously monitor weather updates and emergency broadcasts for any changes in the hurricane’s trajectory or intensity.
• Safety Precautions: Use flashlights instead of candles to prevent fire hazards, keep important documents and valuables in waterproof containers, and have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates in case of a power outage.

Step 4: After the Hurricane

Once the hurricane has passed, take the following steps to ensure your safety and begin the recovery process:

• Safety Assessment: Wait until authorities declare the area safe before venturing outside. Exercise caution and avoid hazards such as fallen power lines or floodwaters.
• Check for Damage: Inspect your home for any damage and assess the extent of the impact. Take photographs of any damage for insurance purposes and proceed with cleanup efforts as needed.
• Contact Loved Ones: Inform family members or friends about your safety status and whereabouts. Reach out to neighbors, especially those who may need assistance, to ensure their well-being.
• Recovery: Follow instructions from local authorities for debris removal and returning to normalcy. Stay connected with community resources and support networks for assistance as needed.

In conclusion, preparing for hurricane season and having a well-defined evacuation plan in place are essential steps in safeguarding your home and family against the potential impact of storms. By staying informed, taking proactive measures to fortify your home, and prioritizing safety during a hurricane, you can minimize risks and navigate through challenging situations with resilience and preparedness. Remember, safety is paramount, and together, we can weather any storm that comes our way.