Georgians are not in the direct path of Hurricane Isaias, but severe weather is expected across the state this weekend, especially on the westside. Whether you're near the storm's path or just expecting typically dangerous thunderstorms, here is a guide for staying safe:
Gather emergency supplies
According to FEMA's public service campaign website Ready.gov
, a basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Important documents including medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Get your home hurricane ready
Clear your yard ahead of time, making sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home. Move items, such as bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building material, inside or under a shelter. You can use sandbags if need be to help secure furniture and keep
out potential floodwater.
Residents also want to cover up any windows and doors. Those in particularly dangerous areas should consider using storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect their windows. This can also help keep you safe from pieces of shattered glass.
In case you lose your water supply while you're gone, fill up clean water containers with drinking water. You can also fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.
Get your car ready
Ready.gov's experts stress the importance of having an emergency kit in your car as well as your home, complete with jumper cables, maps, and extra blankets. If you have to evacuate, take only what you need like phones, chargers, medicine, identification, and an emergency supply kit.
Other tips in this area include:
- Keep your gas tank full.
- Ensure your tires are safe with sufficient tread.
- Don't drive through flooded areas.
- Drive slowly with plenty of distance between you and other vehicles.
- Don't slam on your brakes while driving.
- If driving becomes difficult, pull over, stop the car, and set the parking brake.
Sign up here for text updates by Weather Watch from USA Today
Create an evacuation plan ahead of time
Before a storm becomes emergent, sit down with your family or close friends to come up with an evacuation plan if the weather should become severe enough. Experts at FEMA recommend figuring out how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency.
Once you have decided what will work best, keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.
Find your local evacuation zone
A full map of hurricane evacuation routes in Georgia can be found at dot.ga.gov/GDOT/Pages/Hurricane.aspx. For pet owners, keep in mind that not every shelter is pet friendly. You'll need to bring food and pet supplies, including proof of vaccination and a leash or travel crate.
Know the difference between a hurricane watch and warning
- Tropical Storm Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. The watch does not mean that tropical storm conditions will occur. It only means that these conditions are possible.
- Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding.
- Hurricane Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 74 mph or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. The watch does not mean that hurricane conditions will occur. It only means that these conditions are possible.
- Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 74 mph or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. These winds may be accompanied by storm surge, coastal flooding, and/or river flooding. A hurricane warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and exceptionally high waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.
Where is Hurricane Isaias now
As of 8 a.m., the center of Isaias was 385 miles south-southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River, and moving to the east-northeast at 9 mph. Its maximum sustained winds were 80 mph, making it a Category 1 storm.
Tropical Storm Isaias forecast
The hurricane center warned Isaias is likely to continue a period of rapid strengthening before reaching the coast somewhere between Pascagoula MS and Panama City Beach, Florida, on Friday evening. Isaias could have winds of over 100 mph as it approaches the coast, then dramatically weaken. It's forecast to peak before making landfall.
How to pronounce Isaias
The National Hurricane Center says Isaias should be pronounced as ees-ah-EE-ahs.
Isaias name meaning
According to The Bump, the origin Isaias is Hebrew and means "salvation of God" or "God is my salvation." It's also an alternative spelling for Isaiah.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Hurricane Isaias will impact Georgia. 15 safety items you need to pack
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
