Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Preparedness (City of Brunswick)

Brunswick is a coastal community, and hurricanes and tropical storms can bring storm surge, flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes, and extended power outages. The best time to prepare is now, before a storm is in the forecast.

Start here: the most important actions

Sign up for emergency alerts and monitor trusted forecasts.
Know your evacuation zone and make an evacuation plan early.
Build a ready kit for your household and vehicles.
Plan for pets and medical/functional needs (including medications and equipment).
Help neighbors who may need extra support (older adults, people with disabilities, families without transportation).

Stay informed (alerts and trusted forecasts)

NOAA Weather Radio + local media: Have more than one way to receive warnings in case cell service is disrupted.
National Hurricane Center (NHC): Track current storms and official forecast information at nhc.noaa.gov.

Know your risk: wind is only part of it

Hurricanes are often discussed by category, but water can be the greater life-safety threat in coastal areas (storm surge and flooding can reach well inland). Pay attention to:

Storm surge watches/warnings
Flood watches/warnings (including flash flooding)
Tornado watches/warnings (tornadoes can occur in rain bands)

Know your evacuation zone (and decide early)

Find your evacuation zone using Glynn County’s GIS resources: glynncounty.org/gis
Georgia also provides a statewide “Know Your Hurricane Evacuation Zone” tool through GEMA: gema.georgia.gov (Plan & Prepare)

When local officials issue an evacuation order, leave early. Planning ahead helps you avoid last-minute congestion and reduces risk.

Plan your evacuation (routes, destinations, and communications)

Pick destinations now: family/friends inland, hotels, or shelters (including pet-friendly options).
Family communication plan: choose an out-of-area contact and write down key numbers in case your phone dies.
Know primary routes and backups: A common local message is “Go West and Leave Early.” Example routes referenced in local materials include:
- US 341 North (toward Jesup/Baxley/Hazlehurst)
- SR 32 West (toward Alma/Douglas)
- US 82/SR 520 West (toward Waycross/Tifton area)

If you need transportation help: “Need-A-Ride”

Glynn County has used a hurricane evacuation transportation assistance program (“Need‑A‑Ride”) for residents who cannot evacuate on their own. Past public information for this program included:

Pickup locations such as Mary Ross Park, Lanier Plaza (pet pickup site), Glynn Place Mall area, United Pentecostal Church, Harris Teeter (St. Simons), Bay Harbor Church of God

Build a ready kit (home + go bag + car)

Plan to be self-sufficient for at least several days after a storm.

Water: at least enough for drinking and sanitation (a common planning figure is up to one gallon per person per day)
Food: non-perishable foods for several days
Lights + info: flashlight for each person, extra batteries, weather radio
Health: prescription medications, basic first aid supplies, backup power for critical medical devices if needed
Cash + documents: keep IDs, insurance information, and key documents in a waterproof/portable container (and consider secure digital copies)
Supplies for babies/children and older adults based on your household needs

Protect your home (and reduce last-minute stress)

Bring inside or secure outdoor items (furniture, trash cans, decorations).
Clear gutters/drains and trim trees/limbs where possible.
If using shutters or plywood, prepare materials early. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Fuel vehicles early when a storm is forecast.

Pets: plan like they’re family (because they are)

Prepare a pet go-kit: food, water, meds, leash, carrier, and comfort items.
Keep vaccination/ID records accessible.
Know your options before the storm: not all shelters accept pets, so identify pet-friendly lodging or a host location ahead of time.

People with medical needs or functional/access needs

If you or a family member may need evacuation assistance, medical support, or specialized sheltering:

Plan early and keep medical information and device needs documented.
Local materials note the Health Department maintains a special needs registry; the Georgia Coastal Health District also provides a Hurricane Registry concept for eligible residents. Consider adding a website link to the official registry/application page your jurisdiction uses.