Georgia 911: Insurance & Emergency Information

Emergency Management – Natural Disasters

What to do in an Emergency Situation

We have compiled a list of tips and advice on what to do in a number of emergency situations and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. It is advisable to have an evacuation plan and ensure each member of your family is fully aware of what do to do in a crisis situation. An emergency kit is essential and should include flashlights, battery operated radios, a first aid kit, essential medications and emergency food and clean water.

Earthquakes

• Protect yourself and your home by securing items, equipment and furniture and by checking for hazards
• Turn of electrical outlets and gas
• Identify the safest area within your home such as under a sturdy table or against an interior wall
• Keep away from windows or any other glass
• Monitor news bulletins or emergency announcements using a battery controlled radio
• Have an emergency communication plan in place to enable you to stay connected to friends and family

Extreme Heat Conditions

• During extreme heat conditions it is important to avoid strenuous activity
• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids
• The elderly, small children and the infirm are more susceptible to extreme heat, ensure to check on them regularly
• Stay indoors as much as you possibly can
• Be on the lookout for heat exhaustion or heatstroke

Flooding

• Be aware of the flood risk in your area
• Be ready to evacuate yourself and your family if ordered to so by emergency officials
• Monitor news bulletins or emergency announcements using a battery controlled radio
• Have an emergency communication plan in place to enable you to stay connected to friends and family
• All electrical appliances should be disconnected the mains switched off
• Turn off the gas at the mains
• Protect first floor doorways and secure with heavy plastic or sandbags to keep out flood water

Hurricanes

• Ensure all windows and doors are secure
• All electrical appliances should be disconnected
• Turn off the gas at the mains
• Protect first floor doorways and secure with heavy plastic or sandbags to keep out flood water
• Clear and put away any items that could become damaged or could become a hazard
• Unless you are advised to evacuate stay inside and keep away from doors, skylights or windows
• Monitor current hazard conditions, evacuation orders and warnings by using a battery operated radio
• Have a flashlight with you and ensure you have extra batteries
• Secure any outdoor items that could become loose in high winds, including signs or garden equipment

Lightning

• Monitor the latest storm information by using a battery operated radio
• Keep windows and doors closed
• Stay away from electrical equipment and telephones
• Metal pipes can conduct electricity so keep away from water faucets, bathtubs and sinks
• If caught outdoors, stay away from tall structures including power lines and telephone poles. If you are unable to find a building to shelter in find an open space

Tornadoes

• Clear and put away any items that could become damaged or could become a hazard
• Unless you are advised to evacuate stay inside and keep away from doors, skylights or windows
• Monitor current hazard conditions, evacuation orders and warnings by using a battery operated radio
• Have a flashlight with you and ensure you have extra batteries
• Secure any outdoor items that could become loose in high winds, including signs or garden equipment
• Ensure all windows and doors are secure
• All electrical appliances should be disconnected
• Turn off the gas at the mains
• Protect first floor doorways and secure with heavy plastic or sandbags to keep out flood water
• Remember mobiles homes are extremely unsafe during a tornado so ensure you find an alternative shelter

Wildfires

• Immediately report any outdoor fires to the fire department
• Have an evacuation plan in place and be ready to implement it if ordered to by emergency officials
• If ordered to evacuate do so immediately, do not attempt to take any belongings. There may only be a few minutes to get to a safe area.
• Use a battery controlled radio to keep up to date with the latest information and fire warnings
• Shut off the gas and turn off any pilot lights

For emergency management preparedness checklists for man made disasters read the next page.