Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters for Preppers
As Hurricane Preparedness Week comes to a close in Georgia, it’s a powerful reminder for all of us—no matter where we live—to sharpen our survival skills and make sure we’re truly ready for disaster. Hurricanes don’t just affect people on the coast. These storms can bring heavy rain, flooding, tornadoes, and long-term power outages deep into the state and far inland. Prepping now will help you protect your family, your supplies, and your home when the next big storm hits.
Understanding the Hurricane Threat
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. While Georgia’s coastline might be small, the entire state can still feel the effects of a hurricane or tropical storm. Even if you live hours from the ocean, you can face dangerous winds, flash floods, and days without electricity or clean water. One storm is all it takes to turn daily life upside down.
Recent storms like Hurricane Michael in 2018 showed just how much destruction hurricanes can bring, even to places that don’t often get hit. The lessons are clear: personal preparedness is critical.
Make a Hurricane Plan Now
Don’t wait until a storm is coming to figure out what to do. Preppers know that planning ahead can save lives and supplies. Sit down with your family or survival group and map out your hurricane plan. Ask yourself these key questions:
- Where will you go if you need to evacuate? Know at least two different routes in case roads are blocked.
- Who will you contact to check in or get help? Make sure everyone has emergency phone numbers written down, not just in their phones.
- What will you do with pets or livestock? Plan for their evacuation and care, too.
Build Your Hurricane Emergency Kit
Every prepper should have a strong emergency kit ready before hurricane season even starts. Don’t wait for the store shelves to empty out—stock up now. Your kit should be able to support your family for at least three days, but prepping for a week or more is even better. Here’s what you need:
- Water: At least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation
- Non-perishable food: Canned goods, high-energy snacks, and foods that don’t need cooking
- Manual can opener: In case the power goes out
- First aid kit: Include extra medications, bandages, and antiseptics
- Flashlights and extra batteries: Headlamps are also a great hands-free option
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: To get weather updates and emergency information
- Personal documents: Copies of ID, insurance, and emergency contacts in a waterproof bag
- Cash: ATMs and credit card machines may not work
- Hygiene supplies: Wet wipes, trash bags, and hand sanitizer
- Extra clothes and sturdy shoes: In case you need to leave quickly or walk through debris
Stay Informed and Ready to Act
Knowledge is one of your best survival tools. Hurricanes can change direction quickly, and conditions can get worse in just a few hours. To stay ahead:
- Sign up for local weather alerts on your phone or radio
- Check trusted sources regularly, especially as storms get closer
- Don’t wait for official orders—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early
Protect Your Home and Property
Hurricanes can damage your home, vehicles, and land. Take action before the storm to reduce risk and protect your survival supplies:
- Trim trees and bushes away from your house to prevent branches from breaking windows
- Secure loose outdoor items—bring in furniture, grills, and tools
- Install storm shutters or board up windows if a hurricane is coming
- Move valuables and preps up high to avoid flood damage
- Check insurance coverage for wind and flood damage; update as needed
Lessons Learned from Past Storms
Each hurricane teaches preppers something new. After Hurricane Michael, many learned that gas stations and grocery stores run out of supplies fast, and it can take days or weeks for help to arrive. Some areas went without power for a long time. Being self-reliant is your best defense against these challenges.
- Store extra fuel safely for generators and vehicles
- Have backup power sources such as solar chargers or battery banks for small devices
- Invest in water filters if your tap water becomes unsafe
Action Steps for Preppers This Hurricane Season
Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’re ready before storms threaten:
- Review and update your emergency plan with your family or group
- Check and restock your hurricane supplies, including food, water, and first aid
- Scout out evacuation routes and practice driving them
- Back up important documents and keep them safe
- Test your backup power supplies and radios to make sure they work
Stay Ready, Stay Safe
Hurricanes don’t wait for you to get ready. Preparedness is not just a one-time task—it’s a habit. Take the time now to harden your home, update your supplies, and practice your plans. The more you prepare, the more confident you will be if disaster strikes. Stay alert, stay prepared, and help your family survive whatever this hurricane season brings.