Hurricane season brings on a need for safety preparation
Written by Ali Grutchfield, Graphic by Tyler Lowe
Georgia has many terrific qualities from Appalachia up north to the sunny weather and bright blue beach water down south. However, with its many perks also come drawbacks: annual hurricane season and the possibility that we’ll be wiped off the map entirely. This year’s hurricane season spans from June 1 through November 1.
With SCAD campuses in Savannah and Atlanta, this is a prominent concern for everyone in the SCAD community. While major hurricanes are uncommon, there are still necessary steps that each student should be taking to protect themselves. The most important including understanding what different hurricane categories mean, having an emergency hurricane box and knowing where to go in case of evacuation or staying safe at home.
Although every hurricane is given a name, the most important factor is what category it is between one and five. Category one and two hurricanes are not something to worry about, most students will not lose power and they materialize as simply a very intense storm. Category three hurricanes are a bigger problem, specifically regarding floods and storm surges. In this case, students can expect to lose power and, if living in a flood zone, may want to evacuate to a family or friend’s house.
As a good rule of thumb, Savannah-based students are at a greater risk of experiencing floods because of their closer vicinity to the ocean. However, all students should get evacuation advice from local professionals and SCAD. Category four and five hurricanes are the most dangerous and students should plan to evacuate if necessary. Otherwise, they face the possibility of being stuck at home without power or other resources until the area recovers. These categories pose the largest structural threat to homes and buildings, in which case off-campus students should speak with landlords about what precautions need to be taken. Students should also be aware of any insurance coverage they have if any damages do occur.
Regardless of where in Georgia they live, all students should have a box of emergency hurricane supplies. This should be comprised of everything students will need in case a storm hits and they cannot evacuate. Students should have one gallon of water, per person, per day for several days, a three-day supply of non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, spare batteries for other devices, a flashlight, a first aid kit, plastic sheets, duct tape, whistles, garbage bags, a basic tool kit, a manual can opener, any current prescriptions, pet food (if applicable), matches and cash. More items can be added based on the students’ specific needs and living situations. If students choose to stay in their home city but evacuate to a group shelter, they should inquire whether or not these items will be provided.
If evacuating, students should have a preestablished place that they are certain they are welcome at a moment’s notice. Whether this is with family or friends or in a hotel, students may still want to bring a hurricane box with them. Hurricanes, while able to be tracked, are variable and oftentimes shift paths. Therefore, students should always be prepared in case of a detrimental shift.
In general, SCAD campuses are very safe and protected from hurricanes, but one can never be too safe when preparing for hurricane season. More information can be found on the FEMA website, or from local authorities regarding more specific details.
