Hurricane Preparedness 

The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 - November 30. Now is the time to prepare in case it becomes necessary to evacuate ahead of a storm. Consider these questions as you make ready yourself and your loved ones: Is your vehicle fueled up? Is your generator ready to go? Do you have enough food to last a couple of days?

Hurricane Preparedness Tips:

• Know in advance where you will go and how you will get there, and when you will depart if a storm develops.
• Create a “go kit” that includes necessary personal items, such as hand sanitizer, bar or liquid soap.
• Place important documents in sealable bags for waterproof protection.
• Pay attention to local guidance about updated plans for evacuations and shelters.
• Follow guidance from local officials, including Chatham County Emergency Agency.
• Register to receive SSU alerts on your mobile phone.
• Make sure your cellular device is charged.
• Don’t forget your phone chargers as well as a rechargeable portable cellphone charger.
• To prevent water damage, cover all electronic devices and pick up any device that may be located on the floor.
• Locate or purchase a flashlight to include extra batteries.
• In case of power outage, be prepared with at least three days’ worth of food that does not require cooking with electricity.
• Minimum guidance is one gallon of water per day, per person, with half for drinking and half for sanitation. Fill large containers with water for drinking and cooking, and fill the bathtub for cleaning and flushing.
• Maintain some cash on hand. During power outages, some stores may not be able to accept electronic payments.
• Refill prescriptions.
• Fuel vehicle and generators.
• Safeguard important documents such as birth certificates, social security cards and photographs.

Communication:

• Use text messages, social media and email to connect with friends and family during emergencies.
• Mobile networks can become overwhelmed during emergencies, making it hard to make and receive phone calls. Facebook offers a Facebook Safety Check feature that allows you to post a status indicating that you are safe during an emergency.  

Stay Informed:

• Download the FEMA app on your cellular device. Get weather alerts for the National Weather Service (NWS) for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
• Sign up for FEMA text messages to get updates from FEMA:
  • Text PREPARE to 43362
• Local news stations will have detailed information about the storm.   
• Take time to review websites that offer good detailed information on tropical storms, with regular updates and emergency preparedness information, such as The National Hurricane Center (which offers information in English and Spanish) or Federal Emergency Management Agency (Links listed below).
• Monitor the Savannah State University website regularly to find out when the university will be beginning normal business operations. If the website is unavailable, Savannah State University will post updates on Facebook and Instagram. Remember to check your email regularly.

Other Helpful Resources:
American Red Cross
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Weather Service
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Ready.gov

Public Safety