Hurricane & Tropical Storm Preparedness
Predicted storm path of Hurricane Helene, as shared by Glenn Burns, Chief Meteorologist Emeritus for Channel 2 Action News' Severe Weather Team 2 in Atlanta on 09/25/2024.
Like it or not, the greater Atlanta area is in the path of Hurricane Helene, set to receive tropical-force winds and copious amounts of rain. Our family has been through several hurricanes years ago, and East Cobb is hit every few years with a Tropical Storm. Here are a few tips to make the whole thing a little easier:
Keep Bicycle Helmets Handy for Kids: Flying debris can be a serious hazard. Make sure your kids have their bike helmets nearby to protect them from head injuries if the winds pick up.
Wear Shoes Inside: Keep everyone in the house wearing closed-toe shoes to avoid injury from broken glass or debris that could result from storm damage.
Lay Patio Umbrellas Flat: Secure your outdoor patio umbrellas by laying them flat or bringing them inside. These can easily become dangerous projectiles in high winds. I’ve seen holes in some clients’ roofs from umbrella poles!
Find Distracting Games & Books: Think through the scenario that you’re without power for 36 hours. What will your family do to pass the time? Locate board games, a deck of cards, playdough, drawing supplies, and good books to read in the event it’s not safe to leave the home and there are no electronics.
Leash Your Dog if Heading to the Basement: Pets can become anxious in storm conditions. If you need to move to a safer location like the basement, keep your dog on a leash to prevent them from running or getting lost.
Charge All Devices and Prepare Backup Power: Fully charge phones, laptops, and portable chargers before the storm hits. If you have a generator, ensure it’s fueled and working. Generators should always be used outside in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stock Up on Bottled Water: Have enough bottled water for each family member—at least one gallon per person per day, for a minimum of three days. Don’t forget to store extra water for your pets!
Test Your Sump Pump and Backup Batteries: If your home has a basement, make sure your sump pump is in working order. Backup batteries are essential to keep it running in case of a power outage and prevent flooding. Some people with basements like to keep a large Shop Vac on hand in case the sump pump fails. Here’s a great video to know if your sump pump is functional.
Secure Plants and Outdoor Decor: Move lightweight plants, garden decor, and trash cans inside or secure them. These items can quickly become dangerous if the wind picks them up.
Have Flashlights and Extra Batteries Ready: In the event of a power outage, flashlights are safer than candles. Make sure you have plenty of extra batteries on hand for flashlights, radios, and other emergency devices.
Keep a Tarp on Hand: In case your roof is damaged during the storm, having a heavy-duty tarp readily available can help you quickly cover any holes and prevent further water damage until professional repairs can be made.
Gas Up Your Chainsaw and Car: If you have a gas-powered chainsaw, make sure you have enough fuel in case trees or large debris block your driveway or damage your house. Also, fill up your car’s gas tank before the storm arrives, as gas stations may be out of service for days due to power outages. You may need to charge your phone in the car.
Plan a Family Meeting Spot: If your family gets separated during the storm, it's important to have a designated meeting place in case communication becomes difficult. Choose a familiar, safe location and ensure everyone knows how to get there.
Clear Gutters and Drains: Make sure your gutters and storm drains are free of debris to prevent water from pooling near your home. This will help reduce the risk of flooding during the heavy rain.
Know Who You’ll Call: Do you have the numbers ready for a tree service? Roofing company? Know who you’ll reach out to if you need immediate assistance with your home’s structure. I am always happy to recommend trusted contractors.
Have an Emergency Kit Ready: Your emergency kit should include bottled water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, medications, flashlights, batteries, and copies of important documents like identification and insurance information.
Stay Informed with Local Weather Alerts: Sign up for local weather alerts through apps, your phone, or emergency services. Stay informed about any changes in Hurricane Helene’s path and listen to instructions from local authorities. I like the Storm Shield app for this.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared for whatever Hurricane Helene brings. Taking the time now to secure your home and plan for the storm will help keep your family safe and reduce damage. Stay safe, East Cobb We’ll get through this together.
Anything you’d add to this list?
