National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 5-11

Note: GEMA sent the following item to share with Polk Today ahead of National Hurricane Preparedness Week. While hurricanes are more of a South and Coastal Georgia threat, the resulting tropical depressions can still be dangerous to Polk County and the surrounding areas. Please pay some mind to these types of storm threats this coming summer and early autumn months. – KtE

(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), in partnership with the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is recognizing May 5-11 as National Hurricane Preparedness Week.

This is the ideal time for Georgians to learn and recognize the risks tropical systems pose, as well as plan and prepare for what to do before, during and after a storm.

“In previous years, our state has experienced devastating effects of hurricanes, tropical storms and depressions,” said GEMA/HS Director Chris Stallings. “That’s why we encourage our residents to take the time to prepare before the onset of hurricane season.”

Each day during the National Hurricane Preparedness Week, GEMA/HS will highlight one planning recommendation. Georgia residents can follow along and take action all week to ensure their families, homes and pets are safe in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm.

Sunday, May 5: Know Your Risk: Wind & Water – Find out what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Impacts from wind and water can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur regardless of the storm’s strength.
Monday, May 6: Prepare Before Hurricane Season – Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it’s too late. Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
Tuesday, May 7: Understand Forecast Information – Prepare for hurricane season by
knowing how to understand forecasts. They can tell you a lot about what is expected,
including the storm’s paths, rainfall amounts, wind speeds, and more.
Wednesday, May 8: Get Moving When a Storm Threatens – Do you know what to do when a storm threatens? Prepare for hurricane season by taking the time now to understand the actions needed when time is of the essence.
Thursday, May 9: Stay Protected During Storms – Be prepared for hurricane season by
knowing what to do during a storm. Whether you’ve evacuated or are sheltering in place, know what to expect from the hazards you may face. Remain vigilant, stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts and alerts, and continue to listen to local officials.
Friday, May 10: Use Caution After Storms – A key part of hurricane preparedness is
understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm. This is NOT the time to put your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.
Saturday, May 11: Take Action Today – Take action TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes, and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you understand how to interpret forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm.