CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 07/24/07

Be prepared before a major hurricane strikes

By David Emory Stooksbury
University of Georgia

Whether you live on the coast or in the mountains, a major hurricane will be devastating when it inevitably strikes the Georgia coast. How will you and your family fare? It all depends on how well you prepare.

The first step you need to take is to have an all-hazards kit that will allow your family to survive at least three to seven days without water, food or electricity.

First

The most important element in the kit is at least 1 gallon of bottled water per person per day. Don't forget to plan for your pets. An "all-hazards kit" can be used for any natural or manmade disaster. Details on assembling one are at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml.

Second

The second step is to know what your county emergency plan is and to follow it. If you're asked to evacuate, it's important to do so. If you're not asked to evacuate, it's important to stay where you are, keeping the roads free for those who must get out of harm's way.

Third

Protecting property is next on the list. By far, the most important way to do that is to buy federal flood insurance. Standard homeowner and business insurance doesn't cover flood damage.

The most devastating damage from Katrina was caused by flooding, and many were shocked to find that their policy didn't cover water damage. If you don't have federal flood insurance, you're probably not covered for water and flood damage.

Georgians living hundreds of miles from the coast need to seriously consider flood insurance. The remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto in 1994 caused massive flooding in middle and south Georgia.

The mountains aren't immune from flooding. With the state's rapid urbanization, locations that were safe from flooding just a few years ago are now much more likely to flood. The entire state is vulnerable to flooding.

Buy now

Since it takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to cover the flood damage, you have to buy it well ahead of the event. And since Georgia is nearing the heart of the hurricane season, you should have already bought flood insurance. If you haven't, there's no time to wait.

You can learn about the federal flood insurance program from your insurance agent or at www.floodsmart.gov. Or call 1-888-CALL-FLOOD, ext. 445, or TDD (telecommunications device for the deaf) number 1-800-427-5593.

After flood insurance, securing the home with proper wind shutters for doors and windows is a must. Taping windows is a waste of time.

The best choice of shutters is either plywood or manufactured shutters. Make sure that plywood shutters are well attached. Underestimating the power of the wind is common. Many people return home to find plywood shutters ripped off the house by the wind.

With manufactured shutters, make sure they're properly installed. Learn more about properly securing your home or business at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/retrofit/secure_home.shtml.

The actions you and your family should take well in advance and once a hurricane watch has been issued can be found at www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/action.shtml.

(David Emory Stooksbury is the state climatologist and a professor of engineering and atmospheric sciences in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)

David Emory Stooksbury is associate professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Experts/Sources:
David E. Stooksbury, Ph.D.
SLF2 CAES News
Spotting trouble: How Georgians can help combat spotted lanternfly 12/24/24 Emily Cabrera
Native to several Asian countries, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) was first detected in the United States in 2014 in Pennsylvania, likely arriving via imported goods. Since its arrival, the pest has spread to 15 states in the Eastern U.S., now including Georgia. While they do not bite or sting humans or animals, University of Georgia experts stress that early detection, prevention strategies and timely interventions are crucial to minimizing the spread and impact of this pest on a variety of plants.
Top research stories of 2024 CAES News
Top UGA research stories of 2024 12/23/24 Olivia Randall
As the new year approaches, it’s time to reflect on 2024, a year full of exciting research achievements at the University of Georgia. UGA researchers have made their marks examining crucial topics like the health of water resources and urban infrastructure in the face of climate change, the causes of higher suicide rates among young Black men, and an alarming trend in rates of Type 2 diabetes, among other groundbreaking work. Let’s take a closer look at 12 of the most impactful stories of the past year.
After a hearty climb, Connect Abroad Italy students pose in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. (Photo by Angel Bhardwaj) CAES News
UGA ranks as leading doctoral institution for study abroad 12/20/24 Angel Bhardwaj
The University of Georgia remains among the top 10 U.S. universities for study abroad participation, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report released by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the U.S. Department of State. UGA boasts the highest study abroad participation to enrollment ratio of the top 7 ranked doctoral institutions, earning the No. 7 spot in overall participation and No. 3 in short-term study abroad programs.
HurricaneHeleneGreenhouseDamageCropped CAES News
UGA Extension supports resilience in Georgia farm communities after Hurricane Helene 12/19/24 Emily Cabrera
Hurricane Helene wrought sweeping devastation across Georgia’s agricultural sector in late September, leaving an indelible mark on both the land and the people who tend it, bringing focus to vulnerabilities in Georgia’s farming industry and the need for more robust safety nets. In addition to the physical destruction, the hurricane took an emotional toll on Georgia’s farmers. In response, UGA Extension has prioritized mental health support.
From left, CAES Associate Professor Abigail Borron and Fulbright Romanian-American Foundation Scholars Mihai Suteu, Daniyar Memedemin, Alina Zaharia, Andreea Ona and Daniel Chiciudean stand in front of an image of the Romanian flag projected onto a barn at UGArden. CAES News
Fulbright Scholars unite with UGA Extension to envision ag outreach model in Romania 12/18/24 Maria M. Lameiras
Arriving on the Athens campus of the University of Georgia in August 2023, five Romanian scholars experienced the same anticipation, excitement and apprehension as many first-year students.  Chosen as Fulbright Romanian-American Foundation Scholars, each serves on the faculty at one of three Romanian universities, specializing in fields from economics and engineering to plant breeding and biotechnology. The five scholars comprised the first cohort of the Romanian Extension Education Development Program, an ambitious three-year pilot effort to facilitate planning and implementation of extension services in Romania. 
Janiver in sunflower field AI web CAES News
A larger-than-life legacy: CAES student’s contagious enthusiasm inspired others 12/17/24 Jordan Powers
When Miriam Edelkind-Vealey applied for a summer role at a University of Georgia pollinator biodiversity lab in 2020, the junior undergrad didn’t quite know what to expect. After being told she got the position, Edelkind-Vealy didn’t hear anything for a few weeks. It was only then that she learned a collaborator on the project, second-year master’s degree student Amy Joy Janvier, had passed away.