TIFTON — While Atlantic Hurricane Season officially kicks off June 1, the east coast has already seen two named storms so far: Arthur and Bertha.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting an above-normal hurricane season this year, which will run from June 1 until Nov. 30.

According to NOAA’s website, they’re predicting a 60 percent chance of an above normal season, with 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes and 3-6 major hurricanes this year.

Last year, which was another above-average hurricane season, saw 18 named storms, including six hurricanes. Three of those were classified as major hurricanes and 2019 was the fourth consecutive year for above-average and damaging Atlantic hurricanes.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is urging Georgia residents prepare early for any potential storms that may impact the area.

The Centers for Disease Control are reminding residents that preparing for hurricane season will be different this year due to social distancing guidelines.

This could have an effect on preparedness plans, such as what supplies are purchased, what evacuation routes will look like and whether shelters will be opening.

The CDC is saying that it may take longer than usual to obtain emergency food, water and medical supplies, and is urging home delivery for such purchases.

Local guidance will be provided about any evacuations and shelters. Plans should also be made for pets and livestock, as they may not be allowed to stay in shelters with their owners.

Any emergency preparations should include personal protective equipment, including extra hand sanitizer and at least two masks per person.

PREPAREDNESS

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause damage or injury during a storm. Keep trees and shrubs well trimmed to make them more wind-resistant.

• Secure or bring inside outdoor objects such as patio furniture, decorations, garbage cans and trampolines that could blow away or cause damage.

• Obtain a battery-operated weather radio and listen for updates. A NOAA weather radio broadcasts National Weather Service watches, warnings, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day. Look for radios with both an AC adapter and a battery compartment, and select a model with a Specific Area Message Encoder (SAME) receiver that can be set up to only sound for a single county.

Georgia’s Public Broadcast Systems include Peach State Public Radio (PSPR) and Georgia Public Television.

NOAA says that radio is a better resource for those evacuating and in the path of a storm. The local station is 91.1FM WABR (Tifton).

• Smartphones can download the Ready Georgia app for free, which will deliver live weather, disaster and public health alerts based on current location. Tift County uses the Everbridge Notification System, a free service which sends out phone calls, text messages or emails regarding severe weather or other hazards. Sign up can be done online at member.everbridge.net. Those needing assistance may call (229) 388-6060.

• Know your area’s flood risk. The Tift County Emergency Management Department, planning and zoning department, or website floodsmart.gov can help.

• Reduce potential flood damage by raising furnaces, water heaters and electric panels if they are located in areas of the home that may be flooded.

• If covering windows, use hurricane shutters or board them up with 5/8” exterior grade or marine pre-cut plywood. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Secure all doors. NOAA says that the garage door is usually the most vulnerable to strong winds. They also suggest moving your vehicle into the garage or another secure location.

• Make sure your car is in good shape. Replace window wipers, check the fluids and tires and fill up the gas tank.

• Document your property and keep a list of serial numbers for electronics. This will help when recovering or replacing lost or damaged property.

EVACUATION

If local authorities advise you to evacuate, you may have very little time to gather your things. Having a kit prepared can help with a quick evacuation while cutting down on the risk of forgetting something important.

• Make a plan — different types of emergencies will require different responses. Make a family plan for tornados, hurricanes, floods and other emergencies. Figuring out a communications plan and a meeting place outside the immediate area in case your family is apart and unable to return home due to flooding or other impediments. It may be easier to contact an out-of-town friend or relative if local lines are out of service or overloaded.

• Prepare documents — Keep important documents, like birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies and records in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box or weather proof safe, and keep copies in a waterproof container, ready to be grabbed in case of an emergency.

• Make an evacuation/emergency kit — Sometimes called a bug-out bag, go bag or 72 hour bag, an emergency kit should contain the basic necessities to allow for three days of self-sufficiency. This kit, whether stored in backpacks or plastic bins, should have enough basics for each family member and the family pets. Don’t forget medications and activities for children.

• Don’t forget your pets — Emergency shelters cannot accept pets, so plan ahead to find a pet-friendly hotel, make arrangements with family or friends or find a boarding facility.

Even if there is not an evacuation order for the Tift area, coastal Georgians and Floridians routinely come through and to Tifton when they are ordered to evacuate due to a hurricane. There have been several Red Cross shelters and good Samaritan shelters set up in Tift County in the past several years.

PROTECT YOURSELF

• In the event of a storm, quickly find shelter inside a home, building or hard-top automobile. If there is no shelter available, go to the lowest area nearby. If you are on the open water, get to land and shelter immediately. Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection, but if underground shelter is not available, an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible is the best option.

• If you are in a car and see large objects flying past you while you are driving, pull over and park. There are now two options: stay in the car with your seatbelt on, put your head below the windows and cover yourself with your hands and a blanket if possible or if you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, such as in a deep ditch, exit your car and lie in that area, protecting your head with your hands.

• Avoid taking a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.

• Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage to electrical devices such as computers or televisions.

• If local officials give the order to evacuate, do so immediately.

• If sheltering in place from a tornado, put on sturdy shoes and go to a safe place, such as an interior room or hallway and protect yourself from glass and other flying debris.

AFTER THE STORM

• Never drive through standing water, a flooded roadway or around barricades. It only takes one foot of water to float a full-sized automobile and two feet to sweep it away. If your vehicle stalls in rapidly rising water, get out immediately and seek higher ground. Be careful, only six inches of fast-moving water can sweep a person off their feet.

• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately by calling 911.

• Stay out of floodwaters if possible. The water may be contaminated or electrically charged.

• Stay out of damaged areas and buildings.

• Check on others who may require special assistance, such as the elderly, children and people with disabilities.

After a strong storm, walk around the outside of your home and make sure there are no loose power lines, gas leaks or structural damage. If you smell gas, do not go inside the building and do immediately notify the gas company.

POWER OUTAGE

If the power is out for a substantial amount of time, as happened to many Tift County residents after Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Michael in 2018, food and generator safety guidelines are important to remember.

• Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms in areas dealing with power outages, according to the NOAA.

• Use battery powered lights to avoid the risk of starting an accidental fire.

• The United States Department of Agriculture has food safety guidelines in the event of an extended power outage:

— The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed).

— Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

— If the power has been out for several days, then check the temperature of the freezer with an appliance thermometer or food thermometer. If the food still contains ice crystals or is at 40 °F or below, the food is safe.

— If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, then check each package of food to determine its safety. If the food still contains ice crystals, the food is safe.

— Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items after 4 hours without power.

— When in Doubt, Throw it Out!

RESOURCES

• Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) — has a website (ready.ga.gov) and mobile app for smartphones. The also have numerous useful links and tools.

• Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) — website (dot.ga.gov) has evacuation routes and traffic conditions.

• Georgia511 — a mobile app that will give continually updated traffic conditions for your area.

• Tift County Emergency Management — the Facebook page is a good source of specific, local information.

Emergency Management Director Vickie Hickman recommends that signing up for the Everbridge Citizen Notification System

TERMS

• flash floods — floods that occur with little to no warning and are the result of intense storms dropping large amounts of rain in a brief period.

• flood watch — widespread flooding is possible in your area within six to 12 hours after the heavy rains have ended.

• flood warning — a flood is expected in your area within six to 12 hours.

• tornado watch — weather conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop.

• tornado warning — a tornado is occurring or expected to develop shortly in your area and you need to take shelter immediately.

• tropical storm/hurricane watch — sustained tropical storm (39 to 73 mph) or hurricane (74 mph or higher) force winds are possible within 48 hours.

• tropical storm/hurricane warning — sustained tropical storm or hurricane force winds are expected within 36 hours.

• severe thunderstorm — a thunderstorm producing winds of 58 mph or greater, one inch (quarter) sized hail or larger, and/or a tornado.

• severe thunderstorm watch — there is the potential for severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail to impact your area within the next six hours.

• severe thunderstorm warning — a severe thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

• Bottled water and non-perishable food (at minimum a 3-day supply).

• Flashlights (including extra batteries).

• Battery-powered radio (with backup batteries).

• First aid kit and medications (7-day supply) and any other necessary medical items.

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).

• List of emergency contacts and printed recent photos of your family members, including pets.

• Mobile phones with chargers (and backup chargers) .

• Emergency blanket.

• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers).

• Pet necessities (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl).

• Tools for securing your home .

• Extra clothing and shoes (including rain boots and poncho).