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Creating a storm plan in Atlanta takes a lot of effort. This city can change from calm to frantic so much faster! It's great to have a checklist, and I believe that you need to be ready for any sudden weather changes, from thunderstorms to tornadoes. You can't skip this step.
I'm here to help with everything that matters for staying safe. Recent storms show how much it matters to be prepared. I've grabbed the latest strategies and tips just for you - information which can help.
You might feel overwhelmed by the preparation work. It's normal to feel that way. If you're new to Atlanta or have lived here for a long time, storm readiness might feel scary. But don't you worry. You're not alone in this.
Next, I'll start with what makes a great emergency kit. I'll show you how to make your home safer too. You'll also learn where to find local resources and alerts. Let's get started! Survival matters.
Why Prepare for Storms in Atlanta?
You should be ready for storms in the Atlanta area. This area sometimes deals with wild weather events like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. These events sometimes interfere with life, damage homes, and can cause power outages. Being safe basically means you have to be ready!
Atlanta's weather is usually humid and has hot summers and mild winters. Spring and summer are times for bad weather, with thunderstorms being close from May to June. Tornadoes usually show up somewhere between April and June. Hurricanes are a real threat from June to November, with the worst time being August to October. It's natural to ask yourself if you're prepared for these.
Past weather events in Atlanta show why you should be storm-ready. In March 2008, a tornado hit downtown hard! This shows how you can't always predict Atlanta's weather. You might have power outages, flooding, and property damage when you are prepared, which matters quite a bit.
Now you should think about how ready you are. Do you have emergency supplies or a family emergency plan? This step can make a difference when a storm might come.
Local resources matter during storm threats. The National Weather Service's Atlanta/Peachtree City Office gives honest weather forecasts and quick alerts. Along with this, the City of Atlanta's Department of Emergency Management has tips for getting ready. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA) is another great resource to have.
So, are you familiar with these local resources? Knowing exactly where to turn for aid can save lives.
Create Your Emergency Kit
Preparing for a storm in Atlanta first means putting together a great emergency kit. First, you need to get together some water - shoot for about three gallons per person each day for drinking and sanitation. This will make sure that you'll have enough to stay properly hydrated. Make sure there's at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. And remember a can opener if you're packing those canned goods! It's easy to forget. A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio with a tone alert and extra batteries will keep you updated. Power outages happen, so you'll find that those flashlights and spare batteries matter. A first-aid kit is so helpful. A whistle is actually great for calling for help, and face masks can filter contaminated air.
Next, you should think about moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for sanitation needs. Tools like wrenches or pliers are helpful for turning off utilities if needed. A local map is obviously helpful if evacuation becomes necessary. And remember to think about your family's needs too. Get together prescription medications, glasses, baby formula, diapers, pet food, and some extra water. It helps to be ready for any situation.
Also, important documents, cash, or traveler's checks should be kept protected. Include personal items like sleeping bags, warm blankets, and a change of clothes to stay comfortable. Household chlorine bleach with a medicine dropper gives you an easy way to purify water. Having a fire extinguisher, matches, and hygiene items adds safety measures.
Remember mess kits, paper cups, plates, utensils, and paper towels, as well as things like some paper and pencils or entertainment options like books or games for kids to pass the time. So, where do you get these necessary supplies? In Atlanta, you can check out Walmart, Target, Publix, Kroger, Home Depot, and Lowe's. Essentials do matter!
Secure Your Home
First, you should get your home ready for a storm by checking your roof, windows, and doors. These places could be the weak points of your house, so making sure that they're protected matters. Check your shutters, too. If you've moved or installed new ones, practice putting them on the right way. Also, test your generator and chainsaw to be sure that they're working well. It's smart to update your insurance if you've made changes to your home. You need all the protection you can get!
Next, let's talk about your outdoor areas. Trim your trees and protect your outdoor furniture. Bring inside anything that might become a dangerous flying object, like signs, tables, garbage cans, plants, and umbrellas. Remember to get together your tools and supplies like plywood for covering windows and sandbags for potential flooding. If you're in an apartment or condo, make sure that balconies are protected. Even strong windows and doors can't save your home from things left loose by your neighbors. It's a shared responsibility.
As for the essentials, get your prescriptions ready and fill up the gas tanks for your car and propane. Protect your boat according to your plan and unplug electronics like TVs and computers. Bring antennas and satellite dishes inside, and add extra chlorine to your pool. Turn off the electric supply to your pool pump and cover it. Move furniture and electronics away from windows, cover them with plastic, then close all your curtains or blinds. Turn off gas appliances at the shut-off valve and switch off water or electricity if needed. Make sure your pets are in a safe place. Set your fridge to the coldest setting to keep your food fresher during outages. Store valuables in waterproof containers and place them high up where they'll be safe.
After the storm passes, check your roof. Safety matters - wait for the skies to clear so you can use reliable gear and have someone with you. Look for missing or damaged shingles and check metal parts for dents. Clear debris from the roof or gutters. Keep an eye on the flashing and seals around roof penetrations for wear. Inside, check for ceiling stains and look at the attic for water. Make notes of any leaks you find.
Thinking about hiring a professional? Invite a respected contractor to take a look at your roof. This can show hidden damage. Document everything with photos or notes. Then contact your insurance provider and follow their guidelines for these claims. Scheduling repairs faster and maintaining regular check-ups like clearing gutters and trimming branches is a great idea. Regular professional checks each year can keep your roof in top shape. It's worth it!
Where Can You Get Local Alerts?
You can stay updated on storm warnings in Atlanta through a few options. First, NotifyATL, which is the city's Emergency Alert Program, is recommended. It sends alerts straight to your mobile device and covers weather warnings and evacuation orders. This can give you peace of mind in emergencies. Also, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) can pop up on your phone, delivering quick info during an unexpected situation. That's great!
Also, you should consider NOAA Weather Radio, which broadcasts weather and emergency info. It's a dependable backup if other channels crash. You'll find that Atlanta's county alert systems also have outdoor warning sirens and telephone notifications. These are great if you're away from your phone and might not see other alerts.
Local TV and radio also help out. They air weather alerts sometimes through the Emergency Alert System (EAS). On top of that, smartphone apps can use GPS to send you location-based weather alerts - convenient when you're on the move.
Signing up for multiple alerts will make sure that you stay up to date as you get updates wherever you are. Each system gives you real-time info on weather evacuation and shelters. It's a great idea to check them now so you're sure they work right when needed.
Community Resources and Important Numbers
When you're getting ready for a storm in Atlanta, you have local resources that are great, which matters. You might want to try to trust GEMA/HS for emergency management help. They're your first choice, available at 404-635-7200 or toll-free at 1-800-879-4362. If you like email, you can visit their office at 935 United Ave. SE in Atlanta. Storm preparedness should start here for you!
Besides, the Atlanta Office of Emergency Preparedness is great too. They handle emergency responses in the city and share info on local plans, which is comforting to know help is near.
And for power outages, Georgia Power should probably be your first call. Just dial 888-891-0938 or check their website at GeorgiaPower.com/Outage for real-time updates. Their mobile app gives you alerts on power restoration. It's nice how technology can help you out.
Meanwhile, during storms, Atlanta's public tornado shelters can give you safety. A lot of these are located at Atlanta Public Safety Facilities. For more details, contact the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department at 404-546-7000. If you're near Georgia State University, their safe rooms are available through the Department of Emergency Management at 404-413-1494. Emory University has safe rooms, too, accessible via their Emergency Management team at 404-712-6622. These options make you feel safe. More shelters are listed by contacting GEMA/HS or visiting their website.
Now, let's talk about utilities and emergency services. Keep contacts for when water and sewage services have any disruptions. It's nice to have great numbers for your local police, fire departments, and hospitals ready.
Always be prepared! Put together an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and needed documents. Stay updated by watching local news and weather reports for when storm conditions and instructions come so you're always informed. But storms don't wait, and neither should you.
Creating a Family Communication Plan
Creating a Family Communication Plan is something that helps you get ready for storms. You can create a great plan to keep everyone in your family informed and safe when emergencies happen. This preparation can make you feel more in control.
First you should get together all the necessary contact information. You'll need phone numbers, email addresses, and other details for each family member and great contacts. Having a paper copy is great since your online devices might not work during storms. It's a good backup to have.
Next, share this plan with your entire household. Make sure that everyone carries a copy in their backpack, purse, or wallet. Hang another one somewhere visible at home, like the fridge or a family bulletin board. That way, it's always easy to find.
Occasionally, you'll practice your plan. Sit down with everyone to talk about how you will connect during a storm. Pick meeting places in your neighborhood and nearby. Accessibility for everyone, especially those with disabilities, should be a priority. Everyone needs to feel included.
A great tip for sticking to your plan is to try text messages instead of calls during emergencies. This can cut back on network congestion. Keep calls short and share only the great information. Save your phone battery by dimming the screen, turning on airplane mode, and closing unnecessary apps.
Also, you should establish meeting places. Pick a convenient place near your home and another one farther away when returning home isn't possible. This makes sure everyone knows where to go if communication fails. It also cuts back on confusion.
Keep a list of emergency contacts like fire, police, and ambulance services. Program "I.C.E." (in case of emergency) numbers into your phones - it's actually a great idea! This will make sure you have quick access when needed.
Also, choose an out-of-town contact, someone who can relay information if local lines are down. Every family member should memorize how to reach this contact when they can't reach each other. It's a great safety net! During a disaster, call 911 for any life-threatening issues. For other updates, you can use texts, emails, and social media. Keep your out-of-town contact informed about your latest status. This helps them know that you're okay.
Finally, after the storm ends, register yourself and all your family as "safe and well" on the American Red Cross website. Then update any contact information as needed. It's very great to stay connected and informed.
Protect The Roof Over Your Head
So storm preparedness you'll see the role each step plays in protecting your home and your life. I'm talking about staying away from storms and creating a solid plan to protect you and your family. When you take these steps, you can gain peace of mind. Small actions now can make a difference during a storm, reducing stress and might even save your lives.
Having a plan and knowing local resources matters. After all, knowledge empowers you. Knowing where to get support or how to put together your emergency kit can be lifesaving. Hopefully, with these tips and resources, you'll feel more ready to handle storm preparation.
Let's start with an asset: your home. Remember the importance of your roof. A bit of effort now can prevent disaster later!
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