Preparing for an Atlantic Storm

Every family should have a plan for dealing with a hurricane emergency. You should be prepared to leave your home and know where you will go. Gathering supplies and making preparations should begin when a Hurricane Watch is issued. You will usually have 24 to 36 hours to prepare but you need to start early. Your preparations might include boarding up large windows, gathering food, prescription medicines and fuel for your car. Don’t forget to make provisions for your pets.

When a Hurricane Warning is issued you should be finished with your storm preparations and you should expect an Evacuation Order to be issued. When the Evacuation order is issued expect a large portion of the City to be included since anticipated Storm Surge can severely flood many areas of the City, even in a small storm. For your safety you should leave your home and head for higher ground inland. Remember, everyone is trying to evacuate so plan to leave early enough to avoid traffic congestion. The Evacuation route is U.S. Highway 521 West through Andrews.

A Hurricane is a cyclonic storm that usually develops at sea when several thunderstorms combine to form a circulation. These storms normally begin as a Tropical Depression and when conditions are favorable, develop into Tropical Storms. If conditions continue to be favorable the storm grows in intensity into a Hurricane There are five categories of Hurricanes on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. The scale uses wind speed and center barometric pressure to determine intensity.

A Category 1 Hurricane has sustained winds of 74 - 95 mph and can produce a storm surge of 4 to 5 feet above normal. A Category 2 Hurricane has sustained wind speeds of 96-110 mph and a storm surge of 6 - 8 feet above normal. A Category 3 Storm produces sustained winds of 111-130 mph with a surge of 9 to 12 feet above normal. A Category 4 Hurricane has sustained winds of 131-155 mph an a surge of 13 - 18 feet. A Category 5 storm, the most powerful, has sustained wind speeds in excess of 156 mph and can produce a storm surge of nearly 20 feet. In addition to the winds and storm surge, all hurricanes are capable of producing tornadoes.

A watch means conditions are favorable for the storm to pass within 60 miles of the watch area within 24 to 36 hours. When a watch has been issued, begin to monitor the storm’s progress with reports from Television and Radio. Begin making preparations for leaving your home. Decide where you will be going and have an alternative plan if you cannot get to your destination. Remember to take care of pets as they are not allowed in shelters. Shelters in Georgetown County are limited, so plan to visit with family or friends, inland.

For supplies, make a list and shop early. Here are some suggested items: a portable radio and batteries; a flashlight; matches and candles, a full tank of gasoline, canned goods and non perishable foods, bottled water, blankets, pillows, some games or toys for children, prescription medicine, important papers, and materials for protecting glass windows of your home. Use masking tape or boards to protect windows and doorways on the windward side of the storm. Secure yard furniture and items so they don’t become missiles during the storm.

Stockpile extra ice in a freezer for use after the storm. In general, when a watch is issued, think and plan for the storm to make landfall. Think of all of the things you would want to be taken care of if the storm does come ashore near Georgetown. When you feel you are prepared, review your plan again to ensure you’ve gotten everything taken care of.

Make Preparations

During a Watch.

Prepare to leave your home when a Warning is issued.

Storm Surge is the greatest threat in a Hurricane.