There isn't much I can do from behind a screen to help you all during Hurricane Irma. Yes, I can pray, and pray I will! Since this is completely out of the control of our hands, we should all pray! But we all need tangible help, and here are a few local resources that can help us during this time:
Track Hurricane Irma in Real Time Here: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Evacuation Zones in Georgia: http://www.dot.ga.gov/DS/Emergency/Hurricane and https://www.511ga.org/static/extras-hurricane.html
Printable Hurricane Guide and Checklist: http://www.baynews9.com/content/dam/news/images/2017/05/02/BN9_HURRICANE_GUIDE_2017_WEB_001.pdf
USPS Service Alerts: http://about.usps.com/news/service-alerts/welcome.htm
HOW HURRICANES ARE RANKED:
Category 1 is wind between 74-95 mph
Category 2 is wind between 96-110 mph
Category 3 is wind between 111-130 mph
Category 4 is wind between 131-155 mph
Category 5 is wind at 156 mph or higher
Categories 3, 4 and 5 are identified as major hurricanes
PREPARE YOUR HOUSE:
Trim dead branches on your trees
Board up windows
Fill gas tanks and containers
Get extra cash and store it safely
Move furniture from windows
Store important documents in a waterproof container and/or ziplock bag
CREATE A HURRICANE KIT:
Candles and matches
Flashlights
Batteries of all sizes
First Aid Kit
Rain gear
Duct tape
Clean clothes and blankets
Plastic trash bags
Fire extinguisher
Scissors
Can Opener
Heavy Gloves
FOOD AND WATER:
Bottled Water - enough for one gallon per person each day
Bottled Juice
Two coolers - one for food, one for drinks
Manual Can Opener
Dry dog food
SHELTER LOCATIONS
Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 100 E Park Ave, Valdosta This shelter has space is available on a first-come, first serve basis ONLY SOME PET SPACE
TIPS FOR STAYING IN HURRICANE SHELTERS:
***Never go to a shelter unless officials have announced that it is open - you can find updates and announcements on radio, television, and Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency Website***
***Keep in mind not all shelters will have electricity throughout the hurricane***
Be prepared - bring your own pillows, sheets, cots, air mattress, sleeping bags, chairs, etc...as cots are not provided
If you are on a specific diet, bring enough non-perishable food for 3 days for each person in your party
Bring all medication and special equipment (wheelchairs, oxygen tank, diapers, etc..)
Bring personal hygiene items - deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, towels, brushes, eye drops, etc...
Bring items to entertain yourself or your group - games, books, magazines, cards, etc...
TIPS FOR PET-FRIENDLY SHELTERS:
You will need these items at most pet-friendly shelters:
Rabies vaccination certificate and shot records
Leash and collar
Medications needed and food
Crate or cage
County animal license tags
Cleaning supplies, newspaper and comfort items
FIND SHELTERS THAT ARE PET-FRIENDLY IN OUR AREA:
More info and specifics for Pet Tips and Shelters During a Hurricane
We used Bay News 9, Georgia Department of Transportation, 511 GA, and Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency for this helpful information
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