COVID-19 has brought many challenges to our community. Now, there is an added level of complexity and anxiety to prepare for a hurricane during COVID. Many of the shelf-stable foods and paper product supplies that we typically need for hurricane prep are still missing from grocery store shelves. Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase supplies. Begin adding supplies to your grocery list each week and slowly build up your kit.

When building your emergency kit, be sure to include items such as hand soap, hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol), and cloth face coverings or masks.

Many people are still choosing to stay home over the weekends; use some of that extra time to ensure you and your home are ready for a storm. Consider completing some of these simple projects:

• Clean your gutters and roof from any gathered debris to prevent build up;
  
• Check the trees surrounding your home for branches or limbs that may be likely to fall in high wind;
  
• Look for objects that may become airborne in high winds and create a list to ensure you secure them prior to a storm;
  
• Secure and seal your roof. Your roof and your garage door are the weakest points in your home when it comes to wind;
  
• Complete an insurance check-up to ensure your policy has the correct coverage for you and your family; and
  
• Do an inventory of your property. If you need to file an insurance claim after a disaster, this may help prevent you from forgetting important items on your claim.
  
• Go ahead and start thinking about where you will go if there is an evacuation and communicate that plan with friends and family.

NEED ASSISTANCE EVACUATING?

If you need assistance evacuating Chatham County during a hurricane or tropical event, Chatham County’s Evacuation Assembly Area (EAA) is available to help. During a mandatory evacuation, catch a Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus to the Savannah Civic Center and you will be transported to an inland county for safe shelter.

ARE YOU PLANNING TO STAY IN A HOTEL?

• When staying in a hotel, check to see if the facility’s website includes information about cleaning procedures specific to preventing the spread of COVID-19. If it does not, call and ask. You can also inquire about any policies put in place for hotel staff members to help prevent the spread.
  
• Hotels may be running at limited capacity due to COVID-19, be sure to book in advance, and call ahead.
• Be sure to plan for your pets! Take a look at this great pet resource website! NEED HELP FINDING PET FRIENDLY LOCATIONS? CLICK HERE
• Maintain social distancing at check-in and while walking through the hotel.
  
• Disinfect high touch surfaces, which includes light switches, doorknobs, faucets, toilet handles and the television remote.
  
• Consider limiting or opting out of daily housekeeping service to reduce the number of people entering your room.

EVACUATING WITH YOUR FAMILY?

• Have your emergency kit stocked and ready to go.
  
• Make sure to wear a face covering when stopping for gas, food, or restroom breaks.
  
• Maintain physical distancing when making stops. This includes while you are waiting in line and when walking pets at rest stops.
  
• When possible, wash your hands after leaving a public place, pumping gas, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  
• Bring snacks and beverages for your trip to help limit unnecessary stops along the way.