MACON, Ga. — National Hurricane Preparedness week is typically the first week of May.
With hurricane season starting June 1st, it's important to prepare and have a plan ahead of time.
During NHP week, every day has a different theme. Let's break it all down!
Sunday, April 30: Know Your Risk
Central Georgia is in a unique position. We have to keep a look out on both the Gulf and Atlantic to see if anything is brewing. In Middle Georgia...if a tropical system was to roll through, our biggest threats would be high winds and river flooding.
If we end up on the dirty side of the system though...there's also the possibility for spin-up tornadoes.
So with one month left, start going through your home and assessing areas that may need fixing, because high winds and flooding can have worse impacts on structural unsound homes.
Monday, May 01: Prepare Before Hurricane Season
Now that you know your direct risks during hurricane season...it's time to make a plan. First, start building your hurricane kit.
It's going have some similar items that you would find in a tornado kit. Of course, pack non-perishable food and plenty of water. Flashlights...medication and important documents are all a must too.
Next, make sure your home and car insurance is up to date.
Home insurance and comprehensive car insurance usually cover weather damage...including wind damage and flooding. If you wait until the last minute to get those renewed it may be too late. Your property will not be covered, which leaves you with the high bill.
Lastly, you can start home repairs or lawn care. Cut down that dead tree or chop those long limbs that hang too close to your house. Also, if you have cracks in your walls that lead outside, seal those up too.
Tuesday, May 02: Understand Forecast Information
First and foremost, always get your tropics information from a trusted source, whether that's from us here at 13 WMAZ or directly from the National Hurricane Center!
Do not...and I repeat...do NOT trust those Twitter or Facebook pages that post a storm ten days out and use hype or scary vocabulary to catch your attention.
Next up, you need to know the difference between a watch or a warning. A watch means that conditions for favorable for something to occur. A warning means that the threat is imminent, which means you either need to take shelter or evacuate.
Lastly, focus on the direct impacts from a tropical system, not the size or category of the system. Hurricane categories are only rated by the strongest winds at the center of the system. severe weather also happens on the outermost bands so always know the risk for your immediate area
Wedneday, May 03: Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
We're at the half way point of hurricane preparedness week, and today is all about moving when tropical system threatens your area.
First, remember that hurricane kit we talked about? That needs to be ready to go! As a refresher, your hurricane kit should include non-perishable food, water, flashlights with batteries, medication and important documents. One pro-tip is to keep your important documents in a plastic sheet cover so that water won't ruin the papers.
Second, we all love our furry friends so they need a safe place to go to. You and your loved ones need to have a plan on where you'll shelter your pets, whether that's with you in a safe place or at a friend or family member's house.
Lastly, if you have the means and the time, help out your elderly or vulnerable neighbors. Make sure they have their hurricane kits ready and be sure to ask where they plan to stay safe from the storm.
Thursday, May 05: Stay Protected During Storms:
Keep a safe different from damaged areas. If you are at risk for storm surge or flooding, move to higher ground. Have a way to get alerts, and evacuate if told to so.
To protect yourself from winds or tornadoes its best to find a spot in your home on the lowest floor with as many walls between you and outside as possible. Stay away from windows!
Friday, May 06: Use Caution After Storms:
Remember, only return home when local officials allow you too. If you are allowed to return home... Be careful near damaged buildings, cautiously look for power lines, gas leaks, and structural damages. You should stay away from downed power lines, and if you smell a gas leak call 911 immediately.
Roadways could still be flooded. Turn around. Don't drown.Check on your neighbors!
