Hurricane Preparation Tips for Atlanta & Surrounding Areas

Though it’s not common for hurricanes to directly make landfall in Georgia due to the shorter coastline, we often experience the effects of slowed hurricanes and heavy rains from tropical storms. Are you ready? 

Let’s review some things you’ll want to do before heavy rains hit your community.  

Secure Your Home’s Exterior 

Even though Atlanta isn’t in the direct path of hurricanes, the area often experiences severe weather when storms move inland. Strong winds and flying debris can damage your home, so it’s important to secure your property. 

Prepare an Emergency Kit 

When a hurricane moves inland, power outages and flooding are common concerns for Georgia residents. Having a well-prepared emergency kit can make dealing with these challenges much easier. 

TIP: It’s recommended to have one gallon of water per person, per day, so for a family of three, 9 gallons of water need to be prepared. Don’t forget your pets! 

First-Aid Kit and Medications 

Whether you’re riding out the storm or evacuating, it’s important to have a first-aid kit on hand. Include essentials like bandages, antiseptics, and any necessary medications for family members or pets. 

10 Things to Include in Your First-Aid Kit: 

Stay Informed and Have a Plan 

Georgia experiences a wide range of hurricane-related weather conditions, from coastal storm surges to inland flooding and tornadoes. Staying informed and having a plan in place will help you react quickly and effectively. 

Monitor Local Weather Alerts 

Hurricanes and tropical storms can change direction quickly. Keep a close eye on weather updates from local news channels or apps that track storms. This will help you stay informed about the storm’s progress and any potential evacuation orders.  

TIP: Local governments also offer weather alerts. Make sure to subscribe to severe weather alerts in your area.  

Identify Evacuation Routes and Shelters 

If you live in a coastal area, such as parts of Florida, Georgia, or the Carolinas, it’s crucial to know your evacuation routes in advance. Inland residents in areas prone to flooding should also be aware of nearby shelters and safe zones. 

Keep Important Documents Safe 

Store important documents like insurance policies, identification, and medical records in a waterproof container. This is especially important in flood-prone areas, as water damage can destroy critical paperwork. 

Protect Your Home from Flooding 

Flooding is one of the most common and destructive effects of storms in the Georgia. Even inland areas can experience flash flooding due to the heavy rainfall that hurricanes bring. 

Review Your Insurance and Emergency Contacts 

Hurricanes can cause significant property damage, so it’s important to make sure your home is properly insured and that you have the right contacts in place before a storm strikes. 

Review Your Homeowners Insurance 

Standard homeowners insurance policies don’t always cover flood damage, which can be a major concern in Georgia. Check your policy to ensure you’re covered for both wind and flood damage or consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary.  

Create a List of Emergency Contacts 

Make a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services, utility companies, and your insurance provider. Keep this list somewhere easily accessible during a storm. 

Document Your Belongings 

Taking photos or videos of your home and belongings can be helpful when filing an insurance claim after the storm. This documentation will make the claims process smoother and ensure you get the appropriate compensation for any damage. 

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.