With the Southeast bracing for Hurricane Isaias, storm preparedness may be key for Georgia residents who could be impacted by the threatening system.
Isaias is expected to drum up strong winds, heavy rain and other hazards between late Friday and early Sunday in the southeastern region, forecasters told Patch on Thursday.
The state agency suggested people have ready kits that include a three-day supply of food and water, a flashlight with extra batteries, a portable phone charger and a first aid kit.
In detail, GEMA/HS advises ready kits have the following:
Water: At least 3 gallons per person, for drinking and sanitation
Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Can opener: For food, if kit contains canned food
Radio: Battery-powered or hand crank NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle: To signal for help
Face mask: To help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties: For personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers: To turn off utilities
Local maps
Other items can be prescription medications and glasses, infant formula and diapers, pet food and extra water, important family documents, cash or traveler's checks and change, emergency reference material, sleeping bag or warm blanket, a change of clothing, household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper, fire extinguisher, matches, feminine supplies and personal hygiene items, mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, paper and pencil, as well as books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
Safety During A Power Outage
Georgia Power does not recommend people approach downed power lines and said people should assume lines are "electrified and life-threatening."
Georgia Power also cautioned against people touching others who have made contact with a downed power line.
As people search for other sources of light or heat, Georgia Power said people should not leave candles unattended and should ventilate fireplaces.
Space heaters should be kept away from curtains and other objects and should be only placed on level surfaces.
Georgia Power warned of the "deadly levels of carbon monoxide" in gas generators, which should not be used in a small space.
"If you feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, find fresh air right away. If you feel seriously ill, seek medical attention immediately. Inform medical staff you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning," Georgia Power stated.
The American Red Cross has tips for selecting generators, using them at home and preventing carbon monoxide poisoning.
Flood Safety Tips
Inundation is possible with Isaias due to heavy rainfall. Weather experts say flooding is likely in Georgia.
Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and consider if you need additional coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program is designed to provide reasonable flood insurance in exchange for the careful management of flood-prone areas by local communities. The program, administered by FEMA, is available in hundreds of participating Georgia communities.
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a flood.
A flood watch means widespread flooding is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. A watch is issued for flooding that is expected to occur six to 12 hours after the heavy rains have ended.
A flood warning means a flood is expected in your area within six to 12 hours. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, do so immediately.
Get a Ready kit and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate. Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe deposit box and keep copies in a waterproof container in your Ready kit.
Reduce potential flood damage by raising your furnace, water heater and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
Your family might not be together when disaster strikes, create a communications plan. Choose a meeting place outside of your neighborhood in case your family is apart and unable to return home due to flooded roads.
Determine an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should have emergency contact information in writing or programmed into their cell phones.
Plan ahead for your pets. Shelters cannot accept pets due to health reasons, so it's important to find a pet-friendly hotel or make arrangements with family or friends in advance.
During Flooding
If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station, NOAA Weather Radio for flood information.
Follow the instructions of local officials. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Do not drive around barricades. They are there for your safety.
NEVER drive through standing water. It only takes one foot to float a full-sized automobile and two feet can sweep it away.
More than half of flood victims are in vehicles swept away by moving water.
Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
Stay out of floodwaters if possible. The water may be contaminated or electrically charged. However, if your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and seek higher ground.
Six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person off his or her feet
Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
After Flooding
Do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe. Even after floodwaters recede, roads and bridges may be weakened and could collapse. Buildings may be unstable, and drinking water may be contaminated. Use common sense and exercise caution.