Glynn County
Emergency Management Agency
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
EVACUATION ROUTES FOR GLYNN COUNTY
Procedures and Information
FACING THE REALITY OF MORE & BIGGER STORMS
This document was prepared by the Brunswick-Glynn County Emergency Management Agency, 157 Public Safety Blvd., Brunswick, Georgia 31520.
Telephone 912-267-5678 for information for the citizens of the City of Brunswick and Glynn County in preparing for a hurricane strike along the Georgia or North Florida coast.
GLYNN COUNTY, GEORGIA
HURRICANE SAFETY AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Known as "The Greatest Storm on Earth", the HURRICANE carries with it three highly destructive elements: storm surge, flooding and wind. The grave dangers created by these forces can be greatly reduced and need not result in death IF you are prepared to meet the threat they pose to your safety. Being prepared requires that you:
1) READ this paper CAREFULLY; 2) DECIDE what course of action you need to take; 3) KEEP this pamphlet, because the information it contains will correspond to the instructions you will receive while the storm threatens; 4) LISTEN to the local radio and/or television often for weather advisories; and 5) BE PREPARED TO PUT YOUR PLANS INTO ACTION. Remember, following these simple directions may save the lives of you and your family!
PRESEASON PREPAREDNESS
The hurricane season is from June 1 through November 30th. There are several basic precautions you should take before each hurricane season begins. Check these items off as you complete them.
___Learn the storm surge history and possibilities in your area.
___Know the elevation of your property.
___Know the evacuation zone in which you live.
___Study the information in this pamphlet, and be sure each family member is familiar with it also.
___Decide on a destination ahead of time and make sure everyone knows that destination.
___Have a point of contact (telephone number) away from the danger area where relatives can call to check on you, i.e., relative or friend.
___Review your insurance policies, homeowners does not cover flood damage.
___Purchase flood insurance from your agent.
___Take an inventory of your personal property for insurance and/or tax deduction reasons and keep it in a safe place. If possible take pictures or video your belongings.
___Keep your immunizations for tetanus up to date.
___Make sure your house is in good repair, especially the roof and windows.
___Trim back dead wood from trees.
___Make sure you have a good portable radio, several flashlights, spare batteries and bulbs.
___Buy materials to board your windows and doors. Have it cut to size and identified as to where it will be used before hand.
___Purchase a can of lime to sterilize garbage and refuse.
___Keep family car in good repair.
___Keep important papers, pictures and keepsakes in a box ready to move on short notice.
WHEN A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED FOR YOUR AREA
A HURRICANE WATCH is issued for a coastal area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 - 36 hours. When you hear the announcement, you should:
___Stay tuned to you LOCAL radio or TV station for bulletins.
___Ensure vehicle gas tanks are full.
___Moor small craft or move to safe shelter. Small boat trailers should be tied down securely, with boats lashed to trailers and filled with water.
___Check supplies of medications and drugs.
___Lower TV and radio antennas to avoid contact with electrical wires.
___Secure furniture, garbage cans, and other loose items outside.
___Check mobile home tie-downs.
___Tape, board and shutter windows to prevent shattering.
___Obtain tools and materials for emergency home repairs.
___Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent their lifting from their tracks.
___Ensure batteries for portable radio and flashlights are fresh.
___Spare bulbs for flashlights.
___Stock up on canned provisions and non-perishable foods. Don't forget non-electric can openers.
___Check mobile home tie-downs.
WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED FOR YOUR AREA
A HURRICANE WARNING is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. When you hear the announcement, you should:
___Stay tuned to your LOCAL radio or TV station for official bulletins. DON'T LISTEN TO RUMORS!
___Board up windows, garage and porch doors. Large windows should be braced inside and out. Plywood with a minimum thickness of 1/2 inch should be used. Taping of windows will lessen the chance of flying glass, but will not prevent breakage.
___Turn refrigerator and freezer to maximum cold and don't open unless necessary.
___Bring inside all toys, furniture, garbage cans, hanging plants, etc.
___Check your supply of canned heat or charcoal for cooking. NOTE: DO NOT USE CHARCOAL FOR INSIDE COOKING.
___Fill containers with several days supply of drinking water, including a sterilized bathtub. Clean, large plastic garbage cans are also good.
___Move valuables to upper floors to avoid water damage.
___Stay indoors on the downwind side of the house, with a window on that side opened.
___Leave mobile homes, after you have checked tie-downs, secured the shutters, and removed awnings.
___Use telephone only in emergencies.
___Beware of the calm in the eye, it only lasts a few minutes, and the reversal of wind direction as the eye passes.
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AFTER THE ALL-CLEAR IS GIVEN
The danger is not over when the storm subsides. To avoid post-hurricane hazards, you should:
-Do not drive unless absolutely necessary, and then, drive carefully watching for dangling electrical wires, undermined roads, and flooded low spots.
-Report damaged or broken water, sewer, gas, and electrical lines.
-Use caution in re-entering your home by checking for gas leaks, damaged electrical wiring and appliances, damage to the home, and spoiled food and water.
-Watch for snakes and animals, they may have sought refuge in your home. Remember they are frightened and may attack rather than run away.
-Do not sight-see, you could put yourself and others in danger.
-Report all hazards to appropriate agency.
GENERAL INFORMATION
-Do not listen to rumors.
-EMA will be issuing info bulletins to all radio stations, cable services and Ch. 21 for our area. Disregard what you hear from outside sources unless the bulletin states the information is from the Glynn County EMA.
-Know in what evacuation zone you live. This infomation is in the telephone directory.
-Know your evacuation route and destination.
-Smoking, alcohol, pets and firearms are not allowed in shelters.