Resident's Handbook to Prepare for Natural

Resident’s Handbook To Prepare for Natural Hazards in Georgia ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AUTHOR LIST

The Resident’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards in Georgia is a resource that has PART 1: INTRODUCTION been developed by University of Georgia’s (UGA) Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, in David A. Donnelly Emergency Management Director collaboration with several federal, state and local partners. This handbook provides detailed Pam Knox Director of University of Georgia Weather Network information on emergency preparedness, evacuation planning, and steps that residents can take to Tim Davis Chatham County Extension Agent Elizabeth Andress UGA Extension Food Safety Professor and Extension Specialist protect their life and property. The purpose of this handbook is to provide actionable information Sarah DeYoung Assistant Professor, University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center that residents can use to build resilience to natural hazards in Georgia. Resources included Scott Brazell Community Rating System Erosion and Sedimentation Coordinator throughout the handbook address specific needs of underserved populations, including people with functional and access needs. PART 2: NATURAL HAZARDS We would like to thank the University of Hawai’i Sea Grant (HISG) College Program for allowing Pam Knox* Director of University of Georgia Weather Network us to model the handbook after the original Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Jill Gambill Coastal Resilience Specialist Hazards. Special thanks to Dennis Hwang and Darren Okimoto from HISG for providing us with Randall Mathews Assistant Director of Chatham Emergency Management Agency David A. Donnelly Emergency Management Director guidance and support that led to the development of this handbook. Jessica Warren Coordinator/Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, UGA Extension, Camden County Extension Peggy Hegarty Georgia Resident An author list for the Resident’s Handbook is provided on the following page (* indicates first Larry Logan Emergency Management Director author). All authors also helped edit the handbook. Jackie E. Ogden FACS Agent, UGA Extension, Chatham County Extension Ashley Brooke Felt Graduate Assistant This project would not have come to fruition without the incredible support and thorough feedback provided by many experts including Mark Risse, Katie Higgins, Emily Kenworthy, Trey PART 3: PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY Cooper, Jessica Brown (UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant), Dennis Hwang (University of Hawai’i Sea Grant), Warren Kriesel (UGA Department of Agriculture and Applied Science), Diane Bales* UGA Extension Human Development & Family Science Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Lisa Jordan UGA Extension SE FACS Program Development Coordinator Rhiannon Bezore (Virginia Sea Grant), Judy Benson (Connecticut Sea Grant), Michelle P. Covi Pamela R. Turner UGA Extension Housing & Environment Professor and Extension Specialist (Virginia Sea Grant Climate Adaptation and Resilience), Ian Miller (Washington Sea Grant), Linda Elizabeth L. Andress UGA Extension Food Safety Professor and Extension Specialist Chilton (University of Southern California Sea Grant), Juliana Barrett (Connecticut Sea Grant Peggy Hegarty Georgia Resident College Program), Kathleen M. Fallon (New York Sea Grant), Martha Gerig (Michigan Sea Grant) Sarah DeYoung Assistant Professor, University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center and Liam O’ Shaughnessy (JOMA Construction). Jackie E. Ogden FACS Agent, UGA Extension, Chatham County Extension Ashley Brooke Felt Graduate Assistant Mona Behl and Ashley Brooke Felt (UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant) served as

executive editors of this handbook. All questions regarding this handbook can be directed to Mona PART 4: PROTECT AND STRENGTHEN YOUR PROPERTY (FOR HOMEOWNERS) Behl at [email protected]. Dennis Hwang* Coastal Hazard Mitigation Specialist at HISG Jill Gambill Coastal Resilience Specialist Pamela R. Turner UGA Extension Housing & Environment Professor and Extension Specialist Suggested Citation: Tim Davis Chatham County Extension Agent Peggy Hegarty Georgia Resident Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. (2020). Resident’s Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards Ashley Brooke Felt Graduate Assistant in Georgia.

PART 5: FINANCIAL PROTECTION Hank Hodde* Sustainability and Resiliency Coordinator at Pinellas County Government Jill Gambill Coastal Resilience Specialist Dennis Hwang Coastal Hazard Mitigation Specialist at HISG Ashley Brooke Felt Graduate Assistant

Cover image: Stephen B. Morton / Associated Press Published August 2020 3.10 Helping Pets 42 3.11 Food Safety After the Emergency 43 Table of Contents 3.12 What to do if You Lose Everything 44 3.12.1 Finding Food and Housing 44 PART 1: INTRODUCTION 1 3.12.2 Financial Resources 45 1.1 Common Myths and Reasons to Prepare 2 3.13 Helping Yourself Cope After an Emergency 46 1.2 Actions to Take to Prepare for Natural Hazards 5 3.13.1 Mental Health 46 3.13.2 Sexual Assault and Family Violence 47 PART 2: NATURAL HAZARDS: AN OVERVIEW FOR RESIDENTS 9

2.1 Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Hazards 9 PART 4: PROTECT AND STRENGTHEN YOUR PROPERTY (FOR HOMEOWNERS) 48 2.1.1 Tornados 10 4.1 Best Standards for Building Better 48 2.1.2 Hail 11 4.1.1 Understanding Building Codes 49 2.1.3 High Winds and Straight-Line Winds 11 4.1.2 FORTIFIED Home 50 2.1.4 Derechos 12 4.1.3 Design for Your Risk 51 2.2 Tropical Cyclones 13 4.2 Retrofitting an Existing Home 51 2.2.1 Tropical Storms 13 4.2.1 Roof-to-Wall Connection 51 2.2.2 Hurricanes 14 4.2.2 Re-Roofing 52 2.3 Flood Hazards 18 4.2.3 Foundation Uplift Strengthening Restraint 52 2.4 Wildfire Hazards 20 4.3 Strengthening the Roof System 53 2.5 Extreme Heat 21 4.3.1 Roofing Assembly 53 2.6 Drought 24 4.3.2 Strengthening Gables and Soffits 58 2.7 Winter Storms 25 4.4 Shutters and Other Protective Barriers 60 4.4.1 Garage and Entry Doors 64 PART 3: PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY 28 4.4.2 Opening Protection to Avoid 64 3.1 Understanding Your Risk 28 4.5 Continuous Load Path, Design Pressure, and Chimney Anchoring 65 3.2 Emergency Supplies 29 4.5.1 Continuous Load Path Connections 65 3.3 Evacuation Kit 32 4.5.2 Window and Door Design Pressure 68 3.4 Evacuation Planning 34 4.5.3 Chimneys 68 3.4.1 Emergency Alert System and Communication 34 4.6 Foundation 68 3.4.2 Evacuation Procedures for Hurricanes 34 4.7 Flood Prevention 70 3.5 Wildfire Prevention 35 4.7.1 Wet Floodproofing 72 3.6 Tornado Safety 35 4.7.2 Dry Floodproofing 74 3.7 Winter Weather Preparedness and Safety 36 4.7.3 Elevating Existing Structures 76 3.8 Helping Children 37 4.8 Concrete Structures 77 3.8.1 Helping Children Prepare Before a Hazard Strikes 37 4.8.1 Safe Rooms 78 3.8.2 Helping Children Cope During a Hazard 38 4.9 Trees 78 3.8.3 Helping Your Child Prepare for Separation 39 4.9.1 Landscaping Tips 79 3.9 Helping the Elderly and People with Functional and Access Needs 40 4.9.2 Protecting Your Home Against Wildfires 80 3.9.1 Register with Your Local Emergency Management Office 41 4.10 Electrical Issues 81 3.9.2 Helping Individuals with Memory Impairment 41 4.10.1 Energy Efficiency 81 3.9.3 Helping Individuals with Functional and Access Needs 41 4.10.2 Generators 82 APPENDIX D-USEFULLINKS APPENDIX C-MENTALHEALTHANDSEXUALASSAULTRESOURCES APPENDIX B-BROADCASTANDPUBLICRADIOSTATIONS APPENDIX A-EMERGENCYMANAGEMENTAGENCIES 5.5ChooseaQualifiedContractorandAvoidScams PART 5: 5.4 MakingaClaimAfterReceivingLoss 5.3 InsuranceforFloodEvents 5.2 InsuranceforWindEvents 5.1 UnderstandingandObtainingGoodInsurance 4.11 PlumbingIssues FINANCIALPROTECTION(FORHOMEOWNERS) Insurance andContractingResources Construction Resources Mental HealthandSexualAssaultResources Preparedness andDisasterAssistanceResources Weather-Related Resources 5.5.2 AvoidBeingaVictimofFraud 5.5.1 TipstoChooseaQualifiedContractor 5.3.3 IncreasedCostofCompliance(ICC)Coverage 5.3.2 CommunityRatingSystem 5.3.1 NationalFloodInsuranceProgram 5.1.3 DeterminingHowMuchInsuranceYouNeed 5.1.2 UnderstandingtheResidualMarket 5.1.1 ShoppingforYourInsurance 4.10.3 PowerStations 124 112 114 122 118 119 121 118 100 83 83 98 97 97 88 92 89 88 94 93 90 92 87 85 85 can provide. any otherregionintheUnitedStates.Yourfamilyandhomedeserveprotectionthatonly you lower yourrisk.Moremillion-dollarweather-relateddisastershaveoccurredintheSoutheast than resident, youcantakeactionbyimplementingsmall,cost-effectivestepsthatcouldsignificantly and property.Whileitisnotpossibletoeliminateallpotentialthreatsfromanaturalhazard, asa This handbookwillhelpyoupreparefornaturalhazardsinGeorgiaandreducerisksto community. Whenanaturalhazardoccurs,theimpactscanbedevastating. prolonged heatwaves,drought,andforestfirescanthreatenyourhome,family, hazards suchashurricanes,tropicalstorms,floods,tornadoes,winterexcessiveand Whether youarearenterorowner,yourhomeisalsomajorfinancialinvestment.Natural Your homeisyourcastle.Itprotectsyou,family,andpossessionsfromtheelements. Why readthishandbook? Introduction PART ONE: protect yourfinancesafter ahazard. Part 5 physical property. Part 4 agencies wantyoutoknowbeforeanaturalhazard warning oreventoccurs. evacuation procedures,andimportantinformation that emergencymanagement instructions forpreparinganevacuationkit,foodand watersafety,evacuationplanning, Included inthissectionareasuggestedstockofessential emergencysupplies, Part 3 property. and makedecisionsaboutthestepsthatyoucantake toprotectyourfamilyand drought, andforestfires.Thiswillallowyoutolearnmoreaboutpotentialhazards tropical storms,floods,tornadoes,winterexcessiveandprolongedheatwaves, Part 2 10 actionableitems. in thepast.Asummaryofcontentthishandbookisalsoprovidedform includes adiscussionofcommonmythsthatmayhavepreventedyoufromtakingaction Part 1providesanintroduction,presentsthepurposeandlayoutofhandbook This handbookisdividedintothefollowingparts: discussesdetailedwaysinwhichyoucanprotectyourself andyourfamily. coversbasicinformationaboutnaturalhazardsinGeorgiaincludinghurricanes, includesinformationabout homeowner’sinsuranceandwaysinwhichyoucan coversinformationonhowyoucanstrengthenyour houseandprotectyour your family 1

Introduction 2 Be safeandstaysafe. hazard strikes,thenheed thewarningsandadviceofyourlocalemergency managementagency. and icestorms.Thebest waytoprotectyourlifeandpropertyisplan aheadBEFOREanatural has alsoexperiencedprolonged drought,freezingtemperaturesimpacting agriculturalcrops,snow followed bytornados,fires,floodsandhurricanes fromboththeGulfandAtlanticcoasts.Thestate Federal disasterdesignationshavemostcommonly beendeclaredinGeorgiaforseverestorms, they hadleft. relieved, whileotherswhostayedwished lack ofservices.Peoplewhoevacuatedwere power outages,roadclosures,flooding,and still suffereddamageincludingfallentrees, the state’scoastasitmovednorth,Georgia it crossedGeorgia,andMatthewstayedoff While Irmawasonlyatropicalstormwhen (2016) andIrma(2017)impactedGeorgia. (2005). Morerecently,HurricanesMatthew (1999), andHurricanesCindyDennis Hurricane Hugo(1989),Floyd coast includeHurricaneDavid(1979), hurricanes tohavethreatenedGeorgia’s since 1953.Someofthemostdevastating Sixty-five disastershaveoccurredinGeorgia prepare forhurricanethreatsaccordingly. residents needtotakeprecautionsand to experiencingseverestorms.Coastal hurricanes, thecoastisstillsusceptible Bight oftenprotectsGeorgiaresidentsfrom to CapeCanaveral,Florida.Althoughthe extends fromCapeFear,NorthCarolina coastline knownastheGeorgiaBight,which although forecastsareimproving.TheGeorgiacoastisintheapproximatecenterofcurved Truth: Thepathsoftropicalstorms,hurricanes,andtornadoescannotbepreciselypredicted, Myth 1: hazards. Inordertoremovecommonbarriers,somemythsaredebunkedbelow. There areseveralmythsthatpreventresidentsfromfullyplanningandpreparingfornatural 1.1 CommonMythsandReasonstoPrepare “Anaturalhazardcan’thappentome.Idon’tneedevacuate.” (Source: NOAA’sGraysReefNationalMarineSanctuary) Figure 1-1.AmapoftheGeorgiaBight.

may beimpacted byanaturalhazard, preparetoevacuate andfollowthedirections oflocal respond tocallsfromthose whochosetostayinthearea.Ifyouknow thereisalikelihoodthatyou evacuation orders.Ifamandatory evacuationisissued,emergencyresponders havenoobligationto emergency personnelto comeoutindangerousconditionstorescuepeople whofailedtoheed Truth: Itisimportanttoremember thatlocalgovernmentsmaynotriskthe livesoftheir Myth 6: their recommendations. Identify diversewaystogetupdatesfromemergency personnelsothatyoucanactquicklyupon phone servicecouldbesuspended.Itisimportant tohavemultiplesourcesofreliableinformation. technology isnotenough-cellphonebatteries maydie,appsstopworkingandmobile could changesignificantlyoverafewhours,such asduringsnowandicestorms.Relianceon regarding rapidlychangingweatherconditions. Weatherforecastsareinherentlyuncertainand conditions, andweatherwarnings.However,theymaynotprovidefrequentreal-timeupdates Truth: Smartphoneappscanbeveryusefulinobtainingweatherforecasts,current Myth 5: prepare tobesurprised.” intense extremeweatherevents.Remembertheadage,“expectbest,butplanforworst, and and preparationcanmakeamajordifference,especiallyinthefaceofmorefrequent prepared. Eacheventcarriesitsuniquesetofthreatsthatcanbedeadlyanddestructive.Planning Truth: Manypeopleareundertheimpressionthatiftheysurvivedoneevent,adequately Myth 4: recovery costs. Management Agency(FEMA),itisestimatedthatevery$1spentonmitigationsavesaround $6in residents shouldprepare,notjustthosealongthecoast.AccordingtoFederalEmergency counties locatedover200milesinlandfromwherethehurricanemadelandfall.Therefore,all $2.5 billionineconomiclossestoGeorgia’sagricultureindustry.Severeimpactsoccurred marshes, leavingextensivedamageanddeathintheirwake.In2018,HurricaneMichaelcaused heavy rain,tornadoes,andinlandfloodingcanspreadhundredsofmilesfromcoasts,rivers, strike anywhereinthestate.IceandwinterweathercanimpactNorthernGeorgia.Strongwinds, Truth: Naturalhazardsdonotjustimpactthecoast.Hazardslikewildfiresandtornadoescan Myth 3: lead topoordecision-making,anddisastrousresults. that negativeeventsarelesslikelytohappenoneselfthanotherpeople.Optimismbiascan could be.Onefactorthathinderspreparationiscalledthe“optimismbias”whichjudgment Truth: Althoughmanypeopleareatriskofnaturalhazards,theyoftenlesspreparedthan Myth 2: “Idon’tlivenearthecoast,soIamsafe.” “Ifahazardoccurs,itwon’tbethatbad.” “MyweatherappwilltellmeifIneedtotakeaction.” “Ifanaturalhazardoccurs,thegovernmentorsomeone elsewillcometotherescue.” “Isurvivednaturalhazardsinthepast,soIamsufficientlyprepared.” 3

Introduction 4 Truth: Therearemultipleways tostrengthenyourhouse,including: Myth 10: natural hazardsinGeorgia. providing step-by-stepinstructionsonactions thatresidentscantaketoreducerisksposedby minor ornodamage.Informationprovidedin this handbookcanbeextremelyhelpfulintermsof planning stepscanmakeamajordifferenceand determinewhetheryourhousesurviveswith of Truth: Fortunately,therearemanysmallstepsthatyou cantaketosignificantlyreducetherisk Myth 9: utility polesandotherlargeobjects. and causingdamage.Additionally,mobilehomesareatriskfromhazardssuchasfallentrees, place torideoutastorm,tie-downsandstrapscanpreventyourmobilehomefromcoming loose no matterhownewitis–canbeasafeshelterfromhurricane-inducedwinds.Whilenever a safe storm itis.AccordingtotheNationalHurricaneCenter(NHC),nomobileormanufacturedhome – thunderstorm. Anyonelivinginamobilehomemustevacuate,regardlessofthecategory severe Truth: Amobilehomeisneverasafeplacetostayduringhurricane,tornado,orevensevere Myth 8: significantly reducethepotentialdamagetoyourlife,familyandproperty. possible toeliminatetherisksfromnaturalhazards,therearemanystepsthatyoucantake to importance ofthesesafetydevicesinreducingriskandusethem.Similarly,eventhoughitis not guarantee thattheywillnotbeinjuredinamajorautoaccident.Yetmostpeoplerecognizethe Truth: Eventhoughsomeonemaywearaseatbelt,shoulderandhaveanairbag,thereisno Myth 7: whenever possible.Forrentersandhomeowners,insurancemaybethefirstlineofassistance. people inneedandmaynotrespondquickly.Itisbettertotakecareofyourselfyourfamily natural hazard,thegovernment,alongwithlocalagencies,maybeoverwhelmedbynumberof have theappropriatefinancialprotectionsinplace,suchasinsurance,ifitisavailable.Aftera compensation forpropertydamage.Itisuptoyouplanproperly,strengthenyourhouse,and residents mayfindthatthegovernmentnotrepairtheirdamagedhousesorprovideadequate the federal,state,andlocalgovernments.However,StaffordActhasmanylimitations, level ofresponse,anddividingthecostsassociatedwithdisasterresponserecoverybetween The StaffordActprovidesafederalprocessfordeclaringdisasters,determiningtheappropriate for aminimumof72hours. officials. Ifevacuationordersareoptionalandyoudecidetostay,bepreparedself-sustaining damage tolifeandproperty.Whileitisnotpossible toeliminateallriskordamage,reasonable canbelessexpensive if itisdonewhenyoureplaceyourroofatthe end ofitsnormallife. • Strengthenyourroofstructure (trussesandrafters)withbracing.Strengthening yourroof “EvenifIprotectmyproperty,homecouldstillbedamaged.” “Evenifahazardoccurs,thereisnothingIcando.” “Mymobilehomeistieddownandbraced,soitasafeplacetorideoutstorm.” “Strengtheningmyhouseistooexpensiveorcomplicated andnotworththeeffort.” home. instead ofrequiringhelpyourself.SeePart4foradditionalinformationonstrengtheningyour adjacent properties.Youalsohelpemergencyrespondersbyallowingthemtoassistotherpeople your community.Ahousethatfallsapartduringahurricanewillcreatedebris,whichcandamage By strengtheningyourhouse,youarenotonlyprotectingyourself,butalsoneighborsand hazard strikes.Manyupgradescanbeoffsetwithinsurancepremiumdiscounts. small fractionoftheresourcesthatmaybeneededifyoufailtominimizedamagewhenanatural adds valuetoyourhouse.Thetimeandmoneythatareinvestedinpreparinghouseavery Strengthening yourhousenotonlyprotectsyoufromhurricanes,stormsurges,andfloods,italso on site,andsevereweather mighthitbeforetheyareactivated.Also, identify thesourceofyour even iftheydo,youmight nothearthem.Thesirensoftenmustbephysically activatedbyaperson to provideyouwithawarning. ManylocationsthroughoutGeorgiado nothavetornadosirensand, up batterychargeraccessible inyourhomethecaseofapower-outage. Donotcountonasiren smart phoneisfullychargedifthereanypossibility ofsevereweather.Ifpossible,haveaback- of severeweather.Makesuredevicesandapp notifications areturnedonatnightandthatyour getting oneormoresmartphoneappsthatare specificallydesignedtoprovideawarningincase In additiontoaNOAA(NationalOceanicandAtmospheric Administration)weatherradio,consider Action 2: even twoorthreedaysbeforeexpectedlandfall. Bepreparedbeforetheevent. Matthew (2016)andIrma(2017),manystoresweresoldoutoffood,water,gas,othersupplies more visibleonthepackagingwithanindelibleinkpensuchasaSharpie.DuringHurricanes not outdatedorused.Expirationdates,whicharehardtoreadbecauseofsmallprint,canbe made Create achecklistthatyoucancheckandrestockeachmonthsothesuppliesarecomplete, Many itemsthatyouneedtoplanandprepareareprobablyalreadyinyourhome(SeeSection 3.2). Action 1: 1.2 ActionstotakePrepareforNaturalHazards insurancepremiums,pluspeaceofmindandahigherresalevalue. theexpectedpotentialheightoffloodwaters.Eitherwaytheremaybesavingson mark.Retrofittinganolderhouseismoreexpensivethanelevatinganewhomeoutof • Flood-proofyourhomebyelevatinghousetwofeetabovepotentialfloodwater • Installfloodventstoreduceyourriskandsavemoneyoninsurance. • Upgradethefoundationofyourhouse. • Installhurricaneclipsorwindowcoverings. Gather youremergencysupplies. Identify multiplewaystogetinformationabout impendingsevereweather. 5

Introduction 6 alerts. AlistoflocationscanbefoundontheGEMAwebsite( contact yourlocalEMAandregisterforcommunity’snotificationsystemtoreceiveemergency situation isimminentinyourarea.Aslandlinephonesbecomelesscommon,youwillneedto agencies (EMA)haveanalertsysteminplacetoautomaticallytextorcallyouifahazardous recommendations forwhattodoincaseofanemergency.Manycountyemergencymanagement local EmergencyManagementinformationforyourareasothatyouknowtheofficial for alistofstations. provide trafficinformation androadconditionsduringsevereweather conditions.SeeAppendixB information onroadclosures andconditionsbeforeevacuating.Georgia PublicRadio(GPB)willalso Based onthenatureof the disaster,somefamiliarroutesmaybeclosed. Call“5-1-1”for affected bythefires. Sheltering inplaceshouldbeonlyundertaken asadirelastresortwhenroadsarealready come throughradiostations,cable,homephone linesandcellphones.Bepreparedtoleavequickly. so makesureyouhaveawaytoreceivethoseorders inatimelymanner.Emergencyalertscan the wind,whichcouldchangeovertime.Your EMA willidentifyareasformandatoryevacuation, For awildfire,identifymultipleescaperoutes wellinadvancesincethefirefrontadvanceswith throughout eachyear. be severalhoursorevendays.Discussandpracticedrillsofyourevacuationplanwithfamily outside theevacuationzone.Knowyourroutes.Onceyouhaveevacuated,waitmay If youareinstructedbylocalradioortelevisiontoevacuateincaseofaflood,gohighground neck. Afootballorbikehelmetcanbewornforaddedprotection. bathroom orcloset.Ifpossible,getunderasturdytableanduseyourarmstoprotecthead and cellar orthecenterofawindowlessinteriorroomonlowestlevel,suchaslaundryroom, hear thewarning,takeimmediatesafetyprecautionsinyourhome.Gotobasement,storm evacuate toadesignatedshelteroryourwarningmaybetornadosirenphonealarm.If you that youcangetthewarnings.Bealertforchangingweatherconditions.Youmaynothavetime to warnings canalsobeused.Makesurethattheyareturnedonandyourphoneisfullycharged so for thelatestinformation.Asmartphoneappspecificallydesignedtoprovidesevereweather For atornado,tuneintoyourlocalTVnewsstation,orlistenNOAAradiocommercial by theNationalWeatherServiceandarelistedinAppendixB. to localradioandtelevision).Apps/Internetresourcesthatprovideweatherupdatesarepublished enough. Ifyoucannotuseyourhouse,afriend’sorrelative’shouseanofficialshelter (listen include shelteringinyourhouseifitisoutsidetheevacuationzoneandhomestrong evacuates, lodgingcanbedifficulttofind,androadsarelikelycongested.Yourplanmay All hazardsaredifferent.Forahurricaneortropicalstorm,evacuateearly.Whenthewholecoast tropical storms,tornadoes,floodsandwildfires. Action 3: Appendix Aalsoprovidesatableoflocationsbycounty. Create aseparateevacuationplanfordifferentnaturalhazards,suchashurricanes, https://gema.georgia.gov/locations ). located ina flood zoneifyouprovide floodventsorelevate yourHVACunitsand waterheater wall-to-foundation tie downs. Discountsmaybeprovidedonfloodinsurance premiumsforhomes damage risktoyourhouse withwindowprotection,roof-to-walltiedowns (hurricaneclips),and discounts thatmaybeavailable. Significantdiscountsmaybeprovided forreducingthehurricane Coverage mayvaryamong insurancecompanies,socallyour agenttofindoutabout premiums. Action 7: attaining floodinsurancecouldcostmuchless andgiveyoupeaceofmind. victims inHouston,TX,duringHurricaneHarvey in2017.Ifyouarenotadesignatedfloodplain, might experiencefloodingevenifyourareahas notfloodedbefore.Thiswasthecaseformany because changesinlanduse,weatherpatterns andsealevelscanaffectyourvulnerability.You Consider gettingfloodinsuranceevenifyouarenotinanareathathashistoricallyseenfloods, contents ofyourhomeduetofloodingarepurchasedseparatelyfrominsurance. deductible amountsandoptions.Insurancepoliciestocoverdamagesyourhomethe do nothaveit.Checkyourinsurancepolicytoseeifitcovershurricanedamageandknowthe Do notgamblewiththesafetyofyourhouse.Obtainhomeownersorrentersinsurance,ifyou Action 6: (https://flash.org/ that canmakeasignificantdifference.ViewtheFederalAllianceforSafeHomeswebsite a homeownercantakewillvarywitheachhouse,butformosthomeowners,therearefew steps windows, garageanddoors.Youcanalsostrengthenyourroofwhenitistimetore-roof.The steps can stillretrofit.Allhouseholdsshouldconsiderthemanyoptionsnowavailabletoprotect their and strongconnectorsfromthewalltofoundation.Ifyourhousewasbuiltbeforethen, you A housebuiltaftertheearly-tomid-1990sshouldhavehurricaneclipstieroof wall Action 5: action. fire-resistant nativeplantsforyouryard(seeSection4.9.1).Knowhouseandtakeappropriate damage yourhouseinastorm.FireispartoflifetheSoutheast.Considerdrought-resistantand If treesoverhangyourhouse,considertrimmingorcuttingtheoverheadbranchesbeforetheycan Look atwhereyourpropertyislocated.Ifthelandfloods,thenconsiderbuyingfloodinsurance. utilities topreventfurtherdamageuntilyoureturnhome. are locatedandhowtooperatethem.Inthecaseofanevacuation,youmayneedshutoffyour department, yourarchitectorlandlord.Learnwherethecutoffsforgas,water,andelectricity the frameworkofyourhouse.Theymaybeavailablefromhomebuilder,localbuilding foundation? Whenwillyouneedtore-roof?Ifavailable,lookatyourblueprintsunderstand When wasyourhousebuilt?Doesithaveconnectorstotietheroofwallor Action 4: Take advantageofpotentialdiscountsforyour hurricaneandfloodinsurance Strengthen yourhouse. Insure yourhomeandvaluables. Know yourpropertyandtakeappropriateaction. ) tolearnabouthowstrengthenyourhomeandprotectfamily. 7

Introduction 8 has anevacuation plan. such asneighborhoods, clubs,churches andplacesofworship todevelopplans ensureeveryone emergency numbertoassist you.Additionally,youcanworkwithyour ownlocalorganizations local resourcesduringan evacuation.Policedepartmentscanalsobe contacted attheirnon- could beanotheroption. Foradditionalassistance,callthenumber“5-1-1” tobeconnectedwith to transportpeoplesafety. Dependingonthedisasterandyourability, ridingabikeorwalking government willoftenreduceorremovepublic transportationfaresduringemergenciesinorder you cantry.Askneighborsorfamilymembers foraride.Takepublictransportationifpossible.The If youdonothaveaccesstotransportationatthe timeofanevacuation,thereareafewalternatives you canthantodonothing. Prepare tothebestofyourabilityandseekadditional helpwhenyouneedit.Itisbettertodowhat consider: barrier forpreparingyouandyourfamilyagainstnaturalhazards,hereisalistofsuggestions to Everyone mightnotbeabletoactontheaforementionedrecommendations.Iffinancesare a Action 10: to seekprofessionaladviceforguidance. agencies, orlocal/statecontractors’associations.Evenifyoudotheworkyourself,itisalways best from friendsandfamily,theStructuralEngineersAssociation,county,emergencymanagement undertake anyactionslistedabove,thenpleaseseekqualifiedassistancethroughtrustedreferences This handbookemphasizesworkthatyoumaybeabletodoyourself.Ifareunable Action 9: your houseandprovidemoreprotectiontoyoufamily. insurance premiumsmaymaketheseprojectswithinreach.Itisagreatinvestmenttostrengthen more costlyprojects,asmallhomeimprovementloanandpotentialdiscountsfromhurricane Consider effortstostrengthenyourhouseasanimportanthomeimprovementproject.Forthe Action 8: price. Theoverallsavingsmaybelargeenoughtooffsettheinitialcosts. insurance premiums.Additionally,aFEMAelevationcertificatecouldleadtodecreaseinpremium to aspecificlevel.Elevatingtheentirehouseabove100-yearfloodleveliscertainreduce • Communicatesafetyplanswithyourfamily. carbonmonoxidedetectorswithdeadbatteries,andexposedelectricalwires. • Lookforhazardsinandaroundyourhouse,suchasdeadtreesbrush,smoke • Buyoff-branditemstosavemoney. • Purchasenon-perishablefooditemsandwaterinsmallportionseachmonth. • Gatherextraitemsaroundyourhometobuildemergencykit. • Gathersuppliesandmakehomeimprovementslittlebylittle. Seek theassistanceofaqualified,licensedarchitect,structuralengineerorcontractor. Finance creatively. Seek alternativeswhenfinancialcostsandtransportationarebarriers. that couldbeinstrumentalinsavingyourownlife,familymembers’lives,andproperty. property. ThishandbookprovidesbasicinformationaboutpreparingforGeorgia’snaturalhazards threaten ourstate’sresidents.Theseeventscanhavepotentiallydevastatingimpactsonlifeand tornadoes, winterstorms,excessiveandprolongedheatwaves,drought,forestfirescan In Georgia,manydifferenttypesofnaturalhazardscanoccur.Hurricanes,tropicalstorms,floods, An OverviewforResidents Natural HazardsinGeorgia PART TWO: view. Southeast associated withhigherhumidity canalsowrap around tornadoesandhide themfrom easily visibleoverlong distances inthedense,woodedareasofSoutheast. Heavyrainfallinthe of dayornightiftheconditions areright.UnlikethePlainsofMidwest, tornadoesarenot late afternoonorearlyevening between3:00p.m.and9:00p.m.,but theycanoccuratanytime tornadoes andproduce high windsandhail.Thepeaktimeofdevelopment forthesestormsis Warmer dailytemperaturescancontributetothe formationofthunderstorms,whichcanform susceptible totornadodamage. mountains, andurbanareasdonotprovideprotection fromtornadoesandhighwinds.Everyoneis have beenreportedinmanycountiesGeorgia. Contrarytosomecommonlyheldbeliefs,rivers, is MarchthroughMaywithasecondarypeakoccurring inNovember.Since1950,tornadoes Georgia averages20tornadoesayear,although annualvariabilityishigh.Peaktornadoseason as itmovesonshore,addingtothestorm’sdestructive power. accompany atropicalstormorhurricane the trailingedgeofathunderstormor water. Tornadoesgenerallyoccurnear Waterspouts aretornadoesthatformover pencil-like towideandbowl-shaped. shapes andsizes,rangingfromthin in seconds.Tornadoescomedifferent fatalities anddevastateaneighborhood thunderstorms, tornadoescancause violent storms.Spawnedfrompowerful Tornadoes areoneofnature’smost 2.1.1 2.1 Tornado andSevereThunderstormHazards Tornadoes Figure 2-1. a wideareaofland. Aphotoofatornadotouchingthegroundover (Source: NationalWeatherService) 9

Natural Hazards 10 in mobilehomeparks. path. Therewere16deathsinGeorgiaasaresult ofthistornadooutbreak,mostthemoccurring semi-truck trailers,damageddozensofhomes,andsnappedoruprootednearlyeverytreein its counties insouthwestGeorgia.Thetornadodestroyedseveralmobilehomeparks,flippedand lifted to 1.25mileswideslammedthroughfive with windspeedsupto150mphand over atwo-dayperiod.AnEF-3tornado largest outbreakeverrecordedinthestate confirmed tornadoesinGeorgia-the 21-22, 2017,astormsystemreleased41 During atornadooutbreakonJanuary describe itspotentialdamage. to measurethestrengthofatornadoand has usedtheEnhancedFujita(EF)Scale 2007, theNationalWeatherService(NWS) and smalltornadoescanbeviolent.Since intensity. Largetornadoescanbeweak, is notnecessarilyanindicationofits mph. Furthermore,thesizeofatornado speed mayvaryfromstationaryto70 speed ofatornadois30mph,butthis difficult topredict.Theaverageforward any direction,makingtheirpathsvery northeast, theycanessentiallytravelin most tornadoesmovesouthwestto mile wideand50mileslong.While Damage pathscanbemorethanone excess of250milesperhour(mph). with whirlingwindsthatcanreachin shaped cloudthatextendstotheground A tornadoappearsasarotating,funnel- storm hitsandimplementing asafetyplanforallhouseholdmembersandpets. objects ordebrisfromthe tornado.Mitigationeffortsincludeidentifyingasafe roomtousebeforea or buildingwithnowindows.Helmets,mattresses, orcushionscanbeusedascoverfromflying Georgia residentscanpreparefortornadoesbytaking shelterinaroomonthelowestlevelofhouse HOW TOPREPARE: Figure 2-2. (Source: NationalWeatherService) TheEnhancedFujitaScale. uprooted or snappedandfellonhomes, buildings,cars,and powerlines. instances of80to85mph straight-linewindsthatwere3to4miles wide. Hundredsoftreeswere On January2,2017,asevere thunderstorminSouthwestGeorgiaproduced 6tornadoesand2 if thegroundiswetand rootsarelessabletowithstandthewind. light doors,blowingshinglesorevenwholeroofs offbuildings,andpushingovertrees,especially Thunderstorm Warningshouldbetakenseriously. Winddamageincludesblowingoutwindowsand hail orhighwinds.Straight-linewindscanbe justasdamagingatornado;therefore,Severe or higher.TheNWSwillgenerallyissueaSevere ThunderstormWarningifastormisproducing Even ifnotornadoispresent,strongthunderstorms canbesevereifwindgustsreach58mph 2.1.3 severe weather. storms. Thepresenceofhailisoftenassociatedwithskiesthatappeargreenishinadvance the is associatedwithtornadoproducingthunderstorms,althoughhailcanalsofallfromnon-tornadic can breakwindows,dentvehiclesandpunctureholesinroofsofpoorlybuiltstructures.Some hail they canfallatspeedsofupto100mphandfromasmuch10mileshighinthesky.Hailstones animals whogetcaughtintheopen,since can causeinjuryordeathtopeopleand even brain-likecontours.Largehailstones the storm,butothersshowspikylobesor due tothemovementofstonesthrough each cycle.Manyhailstonesshowlayering (upward-moving air),growinginsizewith through astrongthunderstormupdraft from ice,whichiscycledupanddown diameter tobe“severe.”Hailisformed considers hailthatis1inchorlargerin from severethunderstorms.TheNWS Hail isanotherweatherhazardthat 2.1.2 year topreventdamagefromstorms. closing drapesorblindstopreventdamagefromflyingglass,andinspectingyourroofafewtimes and thelandscapearoundyourhouse,coveringwindowsglasshousebeforeastorm, or carportifpossible,bringingpetsinsideandprovidingshelterforfarmanimals,maintainingtrees Disaster resistanceeffortsforhailstormsincludeseekingshelter,placingyourvehicleinagarage HOW TOPREPARE: HighWindsandStraight-Line Hail comes Figure 2-3. (Source: RyszardStelmachowicz,Shutterstock) Aphotoofhailthesizetennisballs. 11

Natural Hazards 12 region. issue aSevereThunderstormWatchseveralhoursbeforethederechoisexpectedtoaffectyour Severe ThunderstormWarningisissued.Becausetheyarelong-lived,theNWScansometimes There isnoseparatewarningforderechos,butyoumaysometimeshearthenameusedwhen a DC andlastedformorethanaday,causingdamagesdeathsalongtheentirepathof line. Some ofthestrongestderechoshavemovedfromasfarwestIowaallwaytoWashington that canlastforhoursasitmovesgenerallywesttoeastacrossasignificantswathofterritory. meteorologists insevereweatherwarnings.Aderechoisanorganizedlineofstrongthunderstorms “derecho” hasbeenaroundsince1888butonlyusedforroughlythepast30yearsby One specializedstormthatcontainsstrongstraight-linewindsiscalledaderecho.Theterm 2.1.4 windstorms topreventsignificantdamageyour house. trees aroundyourpropertyandlandscapearemaintained, andsecureoutdoorfurnitureduring Mitigation effortsforderechosfollowthesame forhighandstraight-linewinds.Makesure HOW TOPREPARE: and property. prevent furtherdamagetoyourhouse inside duringseverewindstormscan and otherlargeitemsormovingthem occurs. Securingoutdoorfurniture help mitigatedamagesbeforeastorm dead limbsandremovingdebriscan around yourhomebycuttingdown Maintaining treesandthelandscape HOW TOPREPARE: Derechos Paulding/Cobb County,Georgia,causedbyatornadoand straight-line winds. Figure 2-4.

Aphotoofafallentreeonhousein (Source: NationalWeatherService) your home. the landscapearoundyour house,andkeepingflashlightsother sources ofback-uppowerin mitigate forwinddamage andpoweroutagesbysecuringoutdoorfurniture, maintainingtreesand georgiadfirm.com/# flood damageprevention(http://www. program thatprovidesresourceson Division hasafloodplainmanagement of NaturalResources’CoastalResources Additionally, theGeorgiaDepartment programs andcanbeagoodresource. administers floodinsurance fema.gov/floodplain-management Floodplain ManagementAgency your housemorefloodresistant.The flood zonesinyourarea,andmaking damage, beingawareoffloodplains to protectyourhomeagainstflood include purchasingfloodinsurance Mitigation effortsfortropicalstorms disaster areas. and over$750millionindamages.Followingthestorm,55Georgiacountiesweredeclaredfederal winds of65mph,itstalledoverGeorgia,causingcatastrophicfloodingthatresultedin34deaths impact fromtheFloridaPanhandleintocentralGeorgia.Althoughitonlyhadmaximumsustained produce inlandfloodinganderosion.Forexample,in1994TropicalStormAlbertohadamajor that canresultinshorelineerosionandcoastalflooding.Theyalsoproduceheavyrains can Individuals shouldnotdownplaythesestorms.Theycanproducestrongwavesandstormsurges damage isusuallylessseverethanhurricanesduetothelowerwindspeeds. lower. Tropicalstormsanddepressionscancausestormsurgeduetowindsrain,although thunderstorms withsimilarclosedlow-levelcirculationpatternssustainingwindsof38mphor Also monitoredare“tropicaldepressions,”whichorganizedsystemsofpersistentcloudsand are monitored,tracked,andnamedbytheNWS. have thepotentialtodevelopintoahurricaneoncewindsconsistentlyexceed74mph;thusthey The windsblowinacounterclockwiseflowatspeedsrangingfrom39to73mph.Tropicalstorms surrounded byaspiralarrangementofthunderstormsthatproducestrongwindsandheavyrains. A tropicalstormisanintenseweathersystemcharacterizedbyalowatmosphericpressurecenter 2.2.1 2.2 Tropical Cyclones TropicalStorms ). Youcanalso ) (www. Figure 2-5. the floodingfromTropicalStormAlbertoin1994. Aphotoofindividualsinaboatnavigating (Source: NOAA-NWS) 13

Natural Hazards 14 impacts associated withthevarious hurricanecategories, as welltoprovidea more scientifically pressure statementswere removedfromthescaletohelpreducepublic confusionaboutthe classify hurricanesinto fivecategories.In2009,stormsurgeranges, floodingimpact,andcentral For over46years,theNational HurricaneCenter(NHC)hasusedthe Saffir-Simpson Scaleto even farfromthecoast. for Georgians;however,highwinds,tornadoes,andheavyrainfallcancausesignificantimpacts in 2018.WithstormsthatapproachfromtheFloridapanhandlearea,stormsurgeisnotanissue that approachfromtheGulfofMexicocancausesevereimpacts,asseenduringHurricaneMichael Atlantic basinstormsarenottheonlythatGeorgia’scitizensneedtoworryabout.Storms homeowners andresidentstoremainvigilantagainsthurricanethreats. major hurricanescancauseextensivedamage,disruption,andlossoflife.Itisimportantfor Recently, HurricanesMatthew(2016)andIrma(2017)havedemonstratedthatevenbrusheswith past hundredyearshavebeenarelativelycalmperiodforhurricanesmakinglandfallinGeorgia. tropical depressions,storms,andhurricanes,ofwhich16havebeenmajorhurricanes.The the AtlanticOceanandGulfofMexico.Since1950s,Georgiahasbeenimpactedbyover80 against hurricanes;however,Georgiaishighlyvulnerabletostormsandhurricanesthatformin Many believethatGeorgia’scurvedcoastline,knownastheGeorgiaBight,providesprotection Generally, though,mostoftheactivityoccursfromAugusttoOctober. traditionally fromJune1toNovember30,butcanstartearlierorendlaterthanthesedates. pattern andsustainedwindsof74mphormore.HurricaneseasonintheAtlanticBasinis A hurricaneisanintensetropicalweathersystemwithawell-definedcounterclockwisecirculation 2.2.2 Hurricanes Figure 2-6. moves throughFloridaintoGeorgia. AnaerialviewofHurricaneMichaelastheeyestorm (Source: NOAA-NWS) time itpassedthrough central Florida Florida. Itwasatropical stormbythe and thenagainonMarco IslandinSouth Irma madelandfallinthe FloridaKeys landfall isfaraway.In2017,Hurricane vulnerable tostormsurge,evenif communities inGeorgiaareparticularly slope ofGeorgia’sshoreline,coastal strikes land.Duetotheshapeand sweeps ashorenearwhereahurricane often 50to100mileswidethattypically the decreaseinatmosphericpressure, above theusualtidelevelasaresultof dome ofwater,ariseincoastalsealevel approach toland.Stormsurgeisalarge the slopeofshore,andangle speed ofthestorm,size factors, Storm surgeistheresultofmany which addstotheirdestructivepower. well. Hurricanesalsoproducetornadoes, contains themostintenserainfallas area isgenerally15to20mileswideand most intensearoundtheeyewall.This edge tothestrongestneareye,being strength, fromtheweakestonouter the windsrapidlyincreaseinwardin with heavyrains.Inahurricane, storm surgeandfloodingassociated threat ofdamagefromhighwinds, During ahurricane,thereistriple for aCategory3storm. a Category2stormandupto160mph Wind gustscanreachupto135mphfor the “sustainedwinds”ofahurricane. the Saffir-SimpsonScaleonlyillustrates Wind Scale.Itisimportanttonotethat known astheSaffir-SimpsonHurricane are employedintherevisedversion defensible scale.Nowonlypeakwinds including windspeed,forward Figure 2-7. (Source: UGAMarine ExtensionandGeorgiaSea Grant) “GO AWAYIRMA”inBrunswick, Georgia. (Source: NationalWeatherService) SaffirSimpsonHurricaneWindScale. Figure 2-8. Asignreading 15

Natural Hazards 16 losses. extensive propertyandagricultural bayous, andrivers.Floodingalsocauses destructive flashfloodingnearstreams, of thismagnitudecanresultin of ahurricanediminish.Rainfalltotals upland areaslongafterthehighwinds location. Torrentialrainscontinuein or not uncommonwhenatropicalstorm Rainfall totalsof10inchesormoreare Bolivar Peninsula. around theGalvestonBayareaand billion inpropertydamageTexas tide levelsandcausedaround$24.9 storm surgeof15-20feetabovenormal NOAA, HurricaneIkein2008generateda coincides withhightide.Accordingto particularly whenthestorm’slandfall and heighttothebasicsurgeelevation, when waveactionaddsdestructivepower and causeseveredamagealongthecoast more cancauseseverefloodingfarinland storm-related deaths.Asurgeof10feetor Typically, stormsurgeaccountsfor water levelsintheirrecordedhistory. Florida bothmeasuredthesecondhighest Savannah, GeorgiaandFernandinaBeach, at FortPulaskiNationalMonumentin flooding. Thelong-termNOAAtidegauges Georgia coastexperiencedsubstantial surge notoccurringathightide,the hundreds ofmilesawayandpeakstorm and intoGeorgia.Despitepassing hurricane moves across acoastal 90% of Figure 2-10. (Source:UGAMarineExtensionandGeorgiaSeaGrant) (Source: GeorgiaDepartmentof Community Affairs) Figure 2-9. flooding inSavannah,Georgia. AmapofGeorgia’s14river basins. Apictureofcoastal plans thatcover floodandhomedamage alsohelpwithfinancial costsofdisaster impact. and propertyfromsevere weatherdamage,yousave$6per$1onrecovery. Purchasinginsurance hurricane protectionmeasures. AccordingtoFEMA,forevery$1spent onstrengtheningyourhouse the hurricaneintensity, checkingforsevereweatheralertsinyourarea andbuildinghouseswith Disaster resistantefforts forhurricanesincludeutilizingtheSaffir-Simpson Scaletomeasure intheinteriorportionofawell-builtstructure. usuallyassociatedwiththeeyewall,areexpected tobeginwithinanhour.Takeimmediateshelter • ExtremeWindWarning: expectedwithinyourarea36hours. • TropicalStormWarning: shouldbecomplete.Evacuateimmediately,if orderedtodoso. tropicalstorm-forcewindstogiveyoutime completeyourpreparations.Allpreparations somewherewithinthespecifiedarea.NHCissuesahurricanewarning36hoursinadvance of • HurricaneWarning: (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/nationalsurge/). surgemapsforGeorgiacanbefoundonNOAA’sNationalStormSurgeHazardMapswebpage areunderastormsurgewarning,checkforevacuationordersfromyourlocalofficials.Storm inlandfromtheshorelinesomewherewithinspecifiedarea,generally36hours. Ifyou • StormSurgeWarning: The typesofstormwarningsinclude: of informationforinstructionsfromlocalofficials.Evacuateimmediatelyiftoldtodoso. Listen closelytoinstructionsfromlocalofficialsonTV,radio,cellphonesorotherreliable sources Warnings withinthespecifiedarea48hours. • TropicalStormWatch: anticipatestropicalstorm-forcewinds. stormforce,TheNationalHurricaneCenter(NHC)issueshurricanewatches48hoursbeforeit withinyourarea.Becauseitmaynotbesafetoprepareforahurricaneoncewindsreachtropical • HurricaneWatch: hours. movinginlandfromtheshorelinesomewherewithinspecifiedarea,generally48 • StormSurgeWatch:Thereisapossibilityoflife-threateninginundationfromrisingwater The typesofstormwatchesinclude: of informationforinstructionsfromlocalofficials.Evacuateiftoldtodoso. Listen closelytoinstructionsfromlocalofficialsonTV,radio,cellphonesorotherreliablesources Watches Hurricane conditions(sustainedwindsof74mphorgreater)arepossible Hurricaneconditions(sustainedwindsof74mphorgreater)areexpected There isadangeroflife-threateninginundationfromrisingwatermoving Tropical stormconditions(sustainedwindsof39to73mph)arepossible Extremesustainedwindsofamajorhurricane (115mphorgreater), Tropical stormconditions(sustainedwindsof 39 to73mph)are 17

Natural Hazards 18 zone toobtainfloodinsurance. resistant tofloodsand purchasingfloodinsurance.Youdonotneed to beinadesignatedflood or hurricane.Youcanprotect yourselfbyimprovingthelocaldrainage, makingyourhousemore property floodsduring smallrainevents,thentheprobabilityisgreater forfloodingduringastorm drainage orifrecentdevelopmenthasaltered the abilityforwatertodrainoutofyourarea.If Even propertiesoutsideafloodplainmaybe susceptible tofloodingifthereispoorlocalized A goodwaytodeterminetheriskofflooding for yourhouseistoobserveandstudyproperty. combination oftheseeffects,suchasheavyrains duringhightideorstormsurges. in afewminutes(thisiscommonlyknownas a flashflood).Youcanalsohavefloodingthatis the moonandsunwithEarth.Floodingcanbuild upgraduallyoveraperiodofdaysorsuddenly such askingorperigeanspringtides,canproduce floodingathightideduetothealignmentof depression, orotherweathersystemthatproduces heavyrain.Inaddition,astronomicalevents, waves generatedbylocalstorms.Floodingcanalsobecausedatropicalstorm, Coastal floodingandwaveinundationcanbeproducedbyahurricaneorhigh-surfeventwith flooding. its 10.43millionresidentslivingalongGeorgia’scoast,thepopulationisveryvulnerabletocoastal damage. Muchofthestate’scoastalregionisatornearsealevel,andwithapproximately5.2% of on highways,streets,andneighborhoods,thecoastispronetoheavieramountsofflooding and hurricanes, andstormsurge.AlthoughresidentsthroughoutGeorgiacanexperienceflooding Flooding inGeorgiaoccurswithmanysevereweatherevents,suchasheavyrain,thunderstorms, 2.3 FloodHazards Figure 2-11.ApictureofHighway80floodingtowardsTybeeIsland. (Source: SeanCompton) to managefloodingandwetlandstreambuffers toabsorblargeamountsofwater. improved communityresilience.Coastalflooding mitigationeffortsincludeincreasedgreenspace management. Communitieswithhighparticipationinfloodinsuranceprogramshaveoverall Agency/Homeland SecurityandtheDepartmentofNaturalResourcestodevelopbetterfloodplain National FloodInsuranceProgram,andthecollaborationbetweenGeorgiaEmergencyManagement Mitigation effortsforfloodingincludetheFederalCommunityDevelopmentBlockGrant, is approachingtobuyinsurancebecauseitwillbetoolate! should occur.Notethatitwilltake30daystoprocessfloodinsurance,sodonotwaituntil a storm properties outsideofhigh-riskfloodzonesareveryaffordableand“priceless”ifa event renter’s floodinsurancepolicywillcoverupto$100,000ofyourpersonalproperty.Therates for should considerpurchasingfloodinsuranceforyourhomeandthecontentsofhome. A determine floodriskbasedonyouraddress.Evenifyouarenotinahigh-riskzone, you and howtolowerit( The GeorgiaDepartmentofNatural Figure 2-12. (Source: UGAMarineExtensionandGeorgiaSeaGrant) CoastalfloodinginBrunswick,Georgia. www.georgiadfirm.com). Additionally,amappingtoolisprovidedthatcan Figure 2-14. Floodingbeside theroadinClaytonCounty, Georgia. Resources hasawebsitewithinformationonyourfloodrisk (Source: National WeatherService) Figure 2-13. flooding inTroupCounty,Georgia. (Source: NationalWeatherService) Aroadthatwaswashedoutfromflash 19

Natural Hazards 20 Currently, 80%ofallwildfiresoccurwithinonemileWildlandUrbanInterfaceareas.Because meet orinterminglewithwildlandsvegetativefuelsiscalledtheWildlandUrbanInterface. upon wildlandandforestlandareas.Thisareawherestructuresotherhumandevelopments Wildfire hazardswillcontinuetoescalateasresidentialandcommercialdevelopmentencroaches of vegetationandstimulatingtheestablishmentgrowthadiversitytreesother plants. also playavitalroleinmaintainingthehealthofmanyecosystems,partbypromotingmosaic opportunity tosuppressthefirewhileitisstillsmallandeasiercontrol.Theseprescribed burns lessens theintensityofawildfirethatmayoccurinsamearea.Thisallowsfirefighters the Prescribed burnshelptoreducetheamountofflammablevegetationinanarea,whichturn mimic thenaturalbenefitsthatwildfiresprovidetoprivateandpublicpropertiesacross state. Land managersandGeorgiaForestryCommissionfirefightersuseprescribedorcontrolledfiresto typically occurredduringsummermonths. wildfire inGeorgiafollowedbyarson.Lightningstrikeswerethethirdmostcommoncauseand human behavior.Forthissameperiod,carelessdebrisburningwasthenumberonecauseof in Georgia,burningatotalof725,030acres.Themostcommoncausewildfirewasnegligent community firepreventionmeasures.From2000-2016,therewere108,044wildfiresthatoccurred Fire probabilitydependsonlocalweatherconditions,humanactivity,andimplementationof vegetation, debris,ortrees,areparticularlysusceptibletowildfirescausedbylightningstrikes. dangerous hazardsduringperiodsofdrought.Areaswithlargeamountsdryfuel,suchas Wildfires, oranynaturallyoccurringfireinagrassland,brush,forestedarea,areespecially 2.4 WildfireHazards Figure 2-15. (Source: U.S.FishandWildlifeService/Mark Davis) Okefenokee NationalWildlife Refuge. AphotooftheWestMimsFire inthe pre-suppression firebreakplowing. chopping, chemicaltreatment, and fuel treatmentsuchas mowing or using prescribedburns, mechanical Mitigation measureshave included years tomitigatethiswildfirerisk. agencies haveworkedforseveral Forestry Commissionandotherstate vegetation eachyear.TheGeorgia rainfall producelargeamountsof ample sunshine,andhighannual Georgia’s longgrowingseason, in Georgia. number ofhuman-causedwildfires increased significantlytoreducethe public awarenesscampaignshave of thisfact,wildfirepreventionand down theirtranspiration andgrowthathightemperaturesinanattempt topreservemoisture. related stress.Hightemperatures areassociatedwithincreasedstress onplants,whichoftenshut high heat.Individualswho workoutsidedoingstrenuousactivitiesare alsoquitevulnerableheat- regulating theirinternaltemperature,butanyone workingorplayingoutsidecanbeaffectedby homelessness arethemostsusceptibletoheat illnessesbecausetheirbodiesarelesscapableof days, amplifyingtheeffectsofhotconditions. Children,theelderly,andthoseexperiencing for bodiestorecoverfromthedaytimeheat;this resultsinstressfromheataccumulatingover stress andevendeath.Hightemperaturesatnight eliminatetheovernightcoolingthatisnecessary humidity levels,makeitimpossibleforbodies tocooloffnormallevelsandcanleadheat animal mortality.Extremelyhightemperatures duringtheday,especiallywhencoupledwithhigh Across theUnitedStates,extremeheatisoneof thebiggestweather-relatedcausesofhumanand 2.5 ExtremeHeat public educationactivities. Management Agencytoprioritizewaysofreducingfuelandstructuralignitabilityrecommend Emergency ManagementAgency,theGeorgiaForestryCommissionandFederal with countyHazardMitigationPlans.TheseplansaredevelopedinconjunctiontheGeorgia Community Coordinators.CWPPsareupdatedapproximatelyeveryfiveyearsinconjunction through thedevelopmentofCommunityWildfireProtectionPlans(CWPP)andhiringFirewise Additionally, publiceducationprogramsteachcitizenresponsibilityinreducingvulnerability Figure 2-16.AnaerialviewoftheWestMimsFireinOkefenokeeWildlifeRefuge. (Source: U.S.FishandWildlifeService/MarkDavis) 21

Natural Hazards 22 symptoms. other livestockshouldprovideanimalswithshadeandplentyofwatertohelpreduceheatcaused for appropriatelybyprovidingthemshadeorbringingindoors.Residentswithcattleand center. Animalsthatareoutdoorscanalsobeimpactedbyextremeheatlevelsandshould cared with coolerconditionstohelppreventheat-relatedimpacts,suchasapubliclibraryorcommunity sure thattheyarecoolandcomfortable.Iftheairconditioningnotavailable,lookforapublic area fluids, takerestbreaks,andlimitstrenuousoutdooractivities.Checkonelderlyneighborsto make conditions, itisrecommendedthatyoustayindoorsinair-conditionedbuildings,drinkplentyof The NWSprovidesheatadvisorieswhenconditionsleadingtoexhaustionarelikely.Inthose to preventpermanentdamagethebrainandothervitalorgans. your bodytemperaturereaches104°Forhigher.Heatstrokerequiresimmediatemedicalattention Untreated, heatexhaustioncanleadtostroke,alife-threateningconditionthatoccurswhen perspiration. Dehydration,alcoholuse,andover-dressingcancontributetoheatexhaustion. exhaustion occursifthebody’scoretemperaturestartstoriseanditcannotcoolitselfoffthrough cooler temperaturessuchasinanair-conditionedbuildingorshadedlocation,andresting.Heat drinking fluidsorsportsdrinkscontainingelectrolytes(i.e.,Gatorade,Powerade),gettinginto They arecausedbyimbalancesinelectrolytesduetoheavysweatingandcanoftenbetreated involuntary spasmsofthemusclesandoccurmostoftenwhenexercisinginhot,humidweather. the mildestoftheseconditions,andheatstrokeismostsevere.Heatcrampsarepainful, Heat-related syndromesincludeheatcramps,exhaustionandstroke.Heatcrampsare Figure 2-17.HeatIndexChart. (Source: NationalWeatherService) ability. based onyourcircumstances and quality levelsandextremeheat precautions toavoidlowair with highheat.Takeappropriate as airqualityoftendecreases experience worseningsymptoms with breathingimpairmentsmay the summer.Additionally,those outdoor activitiesthroughout who participateinprolonged and childrenadolescents labor workers,thehomeless, the elderly,outdoormanual attention tochildrenand to air-conditioning.Payspecial hydrating, andfindingaccess wearing light-coloredclothes, cool inextremeheatby signs andsymptoms,staying with heat-relatedillness include becomingfamiliar related Ways tomitigateheat- in hotvehicles. leave childrenorpetsunattended rise toasmuch172°F.Donot the interiorofacarcanquickly an hour.Inhighertemperatures, in 30minutes,and113°Fwithin 70°F infullsuncanreach104°F vehicle canriserapidly.Acarat The temperaturesinsidea trucks byinattentivecaregivers. when theyareleftinsidecarsor children. Everyyear,childrendie combination forpetsandyoung provide aparticularlydeadly Extreme heatandvehicles illness anddeath (Source: CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention) Figure 2-18. HeatRelatedIllnessChart. 23

Natural Hazards 24 There aretwomaintypesofdrought. supplies, oranywater-dependentresourceproduct. have significantnegativeimpactsonagriculture,waterreservoirlevels,surfaceandgroundwater drought conditionswhichmayalsomakeareasmoresusceptibletowildfire.Periodsofcan activities, hightemperatures,windsandlowhumiditycanacceleratethedevelopmentof Drought conditionsaretheresultofextendedperiodslimitedornoprecipitation.Human 2.6 Drought dry) toD4(exceptional drought).TheDroughtMonitorlevelisoften used bycropinsurance monitoring forimpacts ofdroughtconditions,todeterminea levelfromD0(abnormally moisture, rainfalldeficits, andtemperatures,aswelltheinputof government groupsthatare Drought Monitor( In Georgia,thereareseveraldifferentgroups monitoring droughtconditions.TheNational water shortagesandevenoutagesifthedroughtbecomessevereenough. this longer-termdrynesswillcausesignificantproblemswithwateravailabilityandmay enough, hydrologicdroughtmaynotaffectagriculture,evenifitisreducedinamount.However, slowly depleteslakeandreservoirs,streamflows,groundwaterlevels.Ifrainfallsfrequently time periodofmonthstoyearsandischaracterizedbyalong-termdecreaseinprecipitationwhich development, likefloweringorpollination. growing plants.Dryconditionscanbeparticularlydamagingiftheyoccurduringperiodsofplant usually occursinsummerwhentemperaturesarehotanddryspellsoccur,puttingstresson https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/ Figure 2-19.AphotoofasoybeanfieldattheUniversityGeorgia (Source: UGACooperativeExtension,creativecommons/flicker.com) Research andEducationCenterinRome,Georgia. Agricultural drought Hydrologic droughtisawhichoccursover ) usesacombinationof physicalfactorslikesoil isashort-termdroughtwhich conservation regardlessofdroughtstatus. Monitor andtheGeorgiaEnvironmentalProtectionDivisionasmentioned,practicingwater Survey whichprojectsdroughtinformationandmonitorswaterlevels,theNationalDrought Mitigation effortsfordroughtsincludeGeorgiaHydroWatchfromtheUnitedStatesGeological watershed-protection-branch/water-conservation for eachdroughtlevelattheEnvironmentalProtectionDivisionwebsite( can findinformationonthecurrentdroughtstatusandwhatwaterconservationrulestofollow activities, likewashingcars,andlimitsthetimesduringwhichyoucanwateryourlandscape. You under eachdroughtlevel.Forexample,aLevel2banssomeprivateoutdoorwater-using Residents shouldbeawareofthecurrentdroughtlevelandrulestheyareexpectedtofollow and-services/disaster-assistance-program/disaster-designation-information/index drought designationscanbefoundontheUSDAwebsite( low-cost loansforfarmerstorecoupsomeoftheirdrought-relatedlosses.Moreinformationon designations forcountiesthathaveimpactsofdroughtonagriculture—thisprovidesaccessto at allifwatersuppliesareextremelylow.TheUSDepartmentofAgriculturealsoprovidesdrought outdoor wateruseseverelyandmayrestrictittoonedayofperweekorno conservation throughpublicserviceannouncementsandwaterbillinserts,toLevel3,whichlimits declare adroughtresponselevelfromLevel1,whichislimitedtoprovidingeducationonwater state ofwatersupplies,nottheimpactsonagriculture.Ifsuppliesbecomelimited,theycan Environmental ProtectionDivisionalsodeterminesadroughtresponselevel,consideringonlythe companies todetermineifpaymentsfordrought-strickencropsarewarranted.TheGeorgia much ofAtlanta,showing howalackofpreparednesscanresultinconfusion andchaos. were foundwalkingon interstatesill-equippedtoweatherthestorm. Thewinterstormparalyzed home andsafety,many peoplesleptontheflooroflocalbusinesses while otherpanickedcitizens snowfall coupledwithinsufficient planningresultedinover940vehicle accidents.Unabletoreach left manyGeorgiaresidentsstuckingridlocked traffic,inconveniencedandcold.Twoinchesof On January28,2014,thewinterstormsomecalled “Snowpocalypse,”or“Snowmageddon,” unplanned problemsforpeopleintheaffected area. accumulation, andsometimescoastalflooding resultinginicecancausehazardousconditionsand result inlife-threateningsituations.Stormeffects, suchasextremelycoldtemperatures,snow in Georgia,theyareoftenextremelydisruptive. Conditionsoftenupsettransportationandcan that onlyoccuratlowtemperatures.Duetothese weathereventsbeinghistoricallylessfrequent intensity. Winterstormsincludeavarietyofprecipitation, suchassnow,sleet,orfreezingrain, however, recordssince1950haveshownthatwinterstormsincreasedbothinfrequency and Winter weatherisnotaneventyouwouldtypicallyassociatewiththesoutheasternUnitedStates; 2.7 WinterStorms ). https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs- https://epd.georgia.gov/ ). 25

Natural Hazards 26 power outagesathome. in vehicles,checkingwindshield washerfluidlevels,havingafulltank ofgasandpreparingfor improving roadconditions fordrivers.Georgiaresidentscanprepare by keepingblanketsandwater the state.TheGDOTrespondstowinterweather stormsbyclearingstateroutesandinterstates winter weatherandusingtheRoadWeatherInformation Systemtopredictroadconditionsacross The GeorgiaDepartmentofTransportation(GDOT) preparesforwinterhazardsbymonitoring Figure 2-21. January2014winterstorminPickensCounty,Georgia. Figure 2-20. IcestorminSandersville,Georgia,February2014. (Source: NationalWeatherService) (Source: NationalWeatherService) Carspulledoverintoaditchduringthe • Frost/FreezeWarning- areexpectedtoprevailforaperiodofthreehours orlonger. considerableamountsoffallingorblowingsnow (reducingvisibilitytolessthanaquartermile) • BlizzardWarning- • WinterStormWarning- uncertain.Awinterstormwatchisissued12to36hoursinadvanceofapotentialseverestorm. suchasheavysnowand/orice,mayaffectyourareabutthelocationandtimingarestill • WinterStormWatch- expectedtocausehazards.Ifcautionisused,thesesituationsshouldnotbelife-threatening. • WinterWeatherAdvisory- Formoreinformation,visit: frostbiteoccurs. differencebetweenairtemperatureandtheperceivedamountoftime until forfrostbitefromexposuretowindandcoldair.TheNWSprovidesachillchartshow the • WindChill- roadstofreezeandbecomeslippery. • Sleet-Rainthatturnstoicepelletsbeforereachingtheground.alsocausesmoistureon walkways,trees,andpowerlines. • FreezingRain- weather. storm. ThefollowingtermsaredefinedbytheNWSandcanbefoundatwww.ready.gov/winter- actions thatyoucantakedependingonthetypeofwinterweatherandseverity It isagoodideatoknowthetermsuseddescribewinterweatherconditions.Therearespecific power. weather alerts,checkyouremergencysupplies,andgatheranyitemsyoumayneediflose Weather Radio,localradio,TV,orotherreliablenewssourcesformoreinformation.Monitor plan, checkweatherradiosandapps,winterizeyourproperty.TuneintoNOAA Before awinterstorm,youshouldprepareyouremergencykit,updatefamilycommunications Windchillisthetemperatureit“feelslike”whenyouareoutsideandyourpotential Rain thatfreezeswhenithitstheground,creatingacoatingoficeonroads, Sustainedwindsorfrequentguststo35miles perhourorgreaterwith TheNWSissuesawinterstormwatchwhensevereconditions, Belowfreezingtemperaturesareexpected. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/windchill.shtml Awinterstormisoccurringorwillsoonoccurinyourarea. The NWSissuesawinterweatheradvisorywhenconditionsare .

Natural Hazards 28 hazard event. Discussion amongfamilymemberscanalsohelplowerstresslevelsbefore,during,andaftera Having aplaninplacecanhelpkeepyourfamilysafeandreducetheburdenonfirstresponders. throughout theyear.Preparinginadvanceisacriticalstepprotectingyourhomeandfamily. some ofthesehazards,suchashurricanes,areseasonal,planningandpreparationisimportant storm surgeflooding,tornadoes,icestorms,droughts,extremeheat,andwildfires.Although Georgia isvulnerabletoavarietyofhazards,including,hurricanes,freshwaterflooding,coastal Protecting Yourself andYour Family PART THREE: apartment complex,contact themainofficeaboutsafespacestogo. weather strikestouseas aprotectivecoveringoveryourheads.Ifyou liveontheupperfloorsofan on thelowestlevelofyour house.Bringamattressorsofacushionsinto theroomwhensevere Section 4.5,butifconstructionofasaferoom is notfeasible,locatethesafestclosetorbathroom all knowhowtorespondif,andwhen,ahazard occurs.Constructionofsaferoomsisdiscussedin go whensevereweatherthreatens.Practicewhat todoandhowgetsafetyquicklysothatyou windows, providethebestshelter.Makesure your entirefamily,includingchildren,knowwhereto many wallsaspossiblebetweenyouandthesevere weather.Interiorclosetsorbathroomswithout your homearelocated.Fortornadoes,highwind events,andseverestorms,youwillwanttoputas After assessingoutsideconditions,evaluateinternal spacesandidentifywherethesafestplacesin will notimpactyourproperty. because yourparcelofpropertyisnotpronetocertainhazardsdoesmeanthatthose estimates that25%offlooddamageclaimsarefrompropertiesoutsidethefloodplain,so just can overwhelmthebestpreparedproperties.TheFederalEmergencyManagementAgency(FEMA) risks. Evenifyourhomeandlandscapingarewellpreparedforsevereweather,extremeconditions your landlordabouthazardsaroundhouseandworkoutwaysinwhichyoucouldminimize your house,makesureanylow-lyingareasdrainawayfromthehouse.Ifyouarearenter,talk to a paththroughfallentreescanbegoodinvestmentinruralarea.Toreducefloodingaround to powerinterruption,youcouldinvestinageneratorminimizetheimpacts.Achainsaw to clear health, youshouldremovethetreesbeforehighwindsareathreat.Ifliveinanareavulnerable around yourpropertyfortreesthathangoverbuildingsorpowerlines.Ifthearenotin good The firststepinpreparingforanaturalhazardistounderstandyourriskbeforeanevent. Look 3.1 UnderstandingYour Risk news updateswillbroadcastweatheralerts. Radio orlistentoGPBlocalAM/FMstations.Ifyouhaveaccessatelevisionandpower, phone notification.IfyoudonothaveaccesstotheInternetorasmartphone,useNOAAWeather phone byyourmobilecarrier,andmanycounties protect yourselfandyourfamilybyfindingsafeshelter. and directionofthesevereweather.Whenthishappens,youneedtotakeimmediateaction weather isobservedbyatrainedobserverorradar,warningwillbeissuedidentifyingthelocation later thatdayandusuallygiveafewhours’noticeofimpendingsevereweather.Once watches indicatingthatconditionsarefavorableforthepotentialdevelopmentofsevereweather you haveanapporalertthatprovidesimmediatenoticeofsevereconditions.TheNWS weather forecasts,theyarenotallsuitableforrapidlychangingconditions,somakesure on dailyweatherandimpendingsevereconditions.Whilesmartphoneappsareconvenientfor potential forsevereweather.TheNationalWeatherService(NWS)isthebestsourceofinformation The nextstepinunderstandingyourriskistobeawareofdailyweatherconditionsandthe

next section(Section3.3)includesalistofitemsthatoneshouldputinanevacuationkit. The followingisalistofsuppliesthatshouldbegatheredforshelteringinplace72hours. The earthquakes cannot. storms andhurricanescanoftenbepredictedseveraldaysinadvance,whiletornadoes window. Furthermore,somehazardscannotbepredictedorhaveveryshortleadtimes.Winter responders andemergencyworkersmaynotbeabletoreachallhouseholdsbeforethistime- water, andotheressentialsuppliesincaseofnaturalhazard.Ifacatastrophiceventoccurs, first Families andindividualsshouldbepreparedtohave72hoursworthoffood(3daysupply), 3.2 EmergencySupplies septicsystemsarewidelyused. family

* * * * * * * * Householdunscentedchlorine bleachforcleaningfoodcansandsanitizing water Suppliesforpets(food, water,medication,microchipinformation,leashes, carriersand Suppliesforinfants(diapers,clothing,stored breastmilk orreadytouseinfantformula) Grillorcampingstoveforoutdoorcooking(including charcoalorfuel) Canopener,scissorsoraknifeasneededforopening foodpackages Nonperishablefooditems(seelistbelow) Bottledwaterforallmembersofthehousehold. Youshouldplanatleast1gallonperday Familycommunicationplan,includingwrittenphonenumbersandareunificationplan bedding) member. Youshouldfillbathtubsorbuckets with additionalwatertoflushtoiletsif have alertsystemsinplacethroughsirensor Wireless EmergencyAlertsaresenttoyour

Protecting Yourself and Your Family 30

Nonperishable FoodItems: will notbeknown. permanent marker.Paper labelscangetwetorfalloffinweatheremergencies, andthefoodinside If youhavetime,labelthecontentsofcanned foods alongwiththedateoncana as

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Sugar,salt,andpepperifneeded Foodsforinfants,elderlywithspecialneedsor personswithallergiesoronspecialdiets,such Comfort/stressfoodssuchascookies,hardcandy andsweetenedcereals Soup:bouilloncubesordriedsoupsinacupwith extrawate Powderedorcannedmilkandextrawaterforrehydrating Juices:canned,powderedorcrystallized Ready-to-eatcannedmeats,fish,fruitsandvegetables Driedfruits,smokedordriedmeatssuchasjerky,crackers Highenergyfoodssuchaspeanutbutter,nuts,trailmixorbars Cash Fuelforyourvehicles Cellphonechargerforyourcar Chainsawforclearingtreelimbsandfuelstoredinpropercontainer Rainponchosandjackets Wipesandtowels Importantdocumentsstoredinawaterproofcontainer(seelistbelowforhousehold Weatherradiowithbatteries Matchesinawaterproofcontainer Blanketsandextraclothes Prescriptionmedications Firstaidkitandmanual Metalwhistlewithlanyard Flashlightsandbatteries Medicinedropper documents) and letstandfor30minutes. Note: diabetics, ifthesesituationsapply To sanitizedrinkingwater,add16drops (1/8teaspoon)ofbleachpergallonwater,stir,

at yourlocalcommunitycentertofamiliarizeyourselfwithfirstaidtermsandprocedures. If assemblingyourownfirstaidkit,includethefollowingitems.Considertakinga course First AidKit: scanned versionsofthefollowingimportantdocumentsshouldbestoredinabox. original documentsareinaccessible(i.e.,theystoredinanoffsitelockbox),thencopiesor The followingdocumentsshouldbekepttogetherandstoredinawaterproofcontainer.Incase Household Documents:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tubeofpetroleum jellyorotherlubricant Non-breakable thermometer Moistenedtowelettes(8-10 packages) Safetyrazorblade Tweezers 2and3-inchsterilerollerbandages(3rollseach) Hypo-allergenicadhesivetape 2-inchsterilegauzepads(8-12) Cleaningagent Latexgloves Assortedsizesofsafetypins Tonguebladesandwoodenapplicatorsticks Antisepticspray Barofsoap Scissorsandneedle Triangularbandages(3) 3-inchsterilegauzepads(8-12) Sterileadhesivebandagesinassortedsizes Emergencyphonenumbers Photosofvaluableitems(forinsurancepurposes) Inventoryofvaluablehouseholdgoods Creditcardaccountnumbersandcompanyinformation Bankaccountnumbers Familyrecords(birth,marriage,deathcertificates) Passports,socialsecuritycards,immunizationrecords Healthinsurancecards,listofdoctorsandtheircontactinformation Will,insurancepolicies,contracts,deeds,stockandbonds

Protecting Yourself and Your Family 32

following suppliesareneeded: preparedness checklist(Section3.2)willbeuseful.Intheeventofa and planningmayvary.Forasheltering-in-placeevent(suchaswinterstorm),thestandard of time.Evacuationreadinessisdifferentfrompreparingtoshelterinplacebecausethesupplies mind thatanevacuationmayrequireyourfamilytotravelalongdistanceforprolongedperiod Georgia, hurricaneevacuationsarethemostlikelytypeoflarge-scaleevacuationevent.Keepin evacuation ordersbecausethismeansthatlife-threateningconditionsareexpectedtooccur.In Evacuation may be necessary to protect yourself andyour family. It isimportanttoheed mandatory 3.3 EvacuationKitor“GO”bag closed plastic bags(zipperclosures workwell)tokeepthem asdryandairtight possible. hazard supplieskitinthe trunkofyourcar.Itisalsoagoodideatopack theseitemsintightly as alarge,coveredtrash container,campingbackpack,ordufflebag. Keepasmallerversionofthe Keep theitemsyouwill mostlikelyneedduringanevacuationineasy-to-carry containersuch inducevomiting),eyewashandantiseptic orhydrogenperoxide prescription

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Prescriptionsdrugs,contactlenses,andsupplies ifneeded,aswellanextrapairof Non-prescriptionmedications,suchas:vitamins, antacid,aspirinornon-aspirinpain BatteryoperatedweatherradiowithAM/FMreceiver andextrabatteries Foodandwaterforallfamilymemberspets Toiletriesanditemsfromtheemergencysupplykit,suchasimportantdocuments Sleepingbagsandpillows Petcarriers Carseatforinfantsandyoungchildren Jumpercablesforvehicles Ponchosorraingear Seasonallyappropriateclothing Books,toysorartsuppliesforchildren Bottledwater MapsandGPS Trainorbusfare Fuelforvehicles Cellphonecharger Cash eyeglasses reliever, laxative,rubbingalcohol,activatedcharcoal, anti-diarrheamedication,emetic(to

medicines(readsectionabove)

mandatory evacuation

, the Clothing andBedding: Sanitation Supplies: Tools andGeneralSupplies: categories: Other suppliesthatmaybehelpfulforyouandyourfamilyduringthistimeincludethefollowing

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hatandgloves Blanketsorsleepingbags Raingear Sturdyshoesorworkboots Smallshoveltodigexpedientlatrine Personalhygieneitems,includingfemininesupplies Soapandlaundrydetergent Householdunscentedchlorinebleach Plasticbucketwithtightlid Plasticgarbagebagsandties Toiletpaperandtowelettes Safetyrazorblade Tweezers 2and3-inchsterilerollerbandages(3rollseach) Hypo-allergenicadhesivetape 2-inchsterilegauzepads(8-12) Cleaningagent Latexgloves Assortedsizesofsafetypins Tonguebladesandwoodenapplicatorsticks Antisepticspray Barofsoap Scissorsandneedle Triangularbandages(3) 3-inchsterilegauzepads(8-12) Sterileadhesivebandagesinassortedsizes

Protecting Yourself and Your Family 34 Special ItemsforBabies: route. optimal duringanevacuation. Checknewsandtrafficupdatestohelp youtochooseanefficient Keep inmindthatthemost familiarrouteoutofyourtownorcommunity maynotbethemost 3.4.2 traffic, andothercriticalinformation. phone callalerts.Abattery-poweredweatherradio canprovideupdatesontheweatherconditions, management agencyhasanemergencyalertsystem thatyoucanregisterfortoreceivetextor social media sources aresee reliable.always Checktoifyourcounty orcity the most not emergency sources areconvenientandpopular,internetaccess maybeunavailableduringastormeventand hazard information.SeeAppendixBforsuggested sources.Althoughsocialmediaandinternet Before astormapproaches,besuretohavelist ofseveraltrustedsourcesforweatherandother 3.4.1 3.4 EvacuationPlanning contraflow lanesmaybeimplemented,andshelteringlocationschange. road conditionsthroughradioandotherinformationchannels.Trafficmayneedtobere-routed, Additionally, onceyourfamilyhasbeguntheevacuationprocess,continuetomonitorweather and Special ItemsforPets:

* * * * * * * * * * * Medicines One,sizeappropriatepetcarrierperpet.Petcarrierswilllikelyberequiredatsheltersin Collarwithidentifyingtagsandleash Kittylitterandboxorpuppypads 3-daysupplyoffood ½to1gallonofwaterperdaypet Formula,diapers,bottles,medicationsandpowderedmilk Plastictarpaulin(tokeepbeddingoffthefloororground) Polyesterfilmorplasticsheetemergencyblanket Sunglasses Thermalunderwear EmergencyAlertSystemandCommunication an evacuationscenario. EvacuationProcedures forHurricanes - Waterwillbeneededforanyreconstituting.

“all clear”messagehasbeenissued. for reunification.Donotattempttoreenteryourcommunityafteramandatoryevacuationuntilan different locations,remembertobringyouremergencysuppliesaswellacommunicationplan 72 hours(seelistinSection3.3).Ifyouplantostaywithfriendsorfamilymembersseveral evacuation ordersduringdaylighthours.Ifevacuatingtoapublicshelter,bringsuppliesforatleast When planningforevacuation,keepinmindthatemergencyofficialswillnormallyissue initiated before8:00a.m.andshouldbecompletelyextinguisheddark. page informationandrequestingapermitscreen,orbycalling(877)652-2876.Firesshould notbe You mayobtainapermitfromGFCattheirwebsite(http://www.gatrees.org/ of debrisburnwildfiresisnotobtainingapermitandburningwithimproperweatherconditions. be burned.Theburningofhouseholdgarbageandconstructiondebrisisprohibited.Amajor cause permit fromtheGeorgiaForestryCommission(GFC),andonlynaturalvegetativematerialsmay Burning yardleafpilesisthemostcommoncauseofwildfire.Alloutdoorburningrequires a burn • RefertothesectiononwildfirehazardsinGeorgia(Section2.4). • Heedevacuationordersfromemergencymanagersandpublicofficials. • Monitorairqualityifyourcommunityisexperiencingsmokyconditions. extremelyflammable. • Knowtherestrictionsofpinestrawforlandscapingnearandaroundyourhome.Pine is • Neverburntrash,firewood,orotheritemsduringamandatory“burningban.” and yourhome,itisimportanttounderstandwaysinwhichyoucanreducefirerisk. Georgia ispronetoperiodicdry,warmweather,especiallyinrecentyears.Toprotectyourfamily 3.5 WildfirePrevention • Thecenterandlowest levelofyourhouseisthesafestplacetobeduring atornado. • Awatchmeansatornado ispossible;awarningmeanstornadohas beenspotted. Here isalistofthingsyou candoorknowtoprotectyourselffromtornadoes. county uses. in Georgia.Somecountiesuseoutdoorwarning sirensorphonealertsystems.Findoutwhatyour Although tornadoesaremorecommoninthespring andearlysummer,theycanoccuryear-round 3.6 Tornado Safety ) byreadingtheweb 35

Protecting Yourself and Your Family 36 • Checkonelderlyneighborsbeforeandafteramajor winterweatherevent. • Neverusekeroseneoranyfuel-burningheater indoorsorinareaswithoutproperventilation. • Carryanicescraperandasmallshovelinyour vehicleduringwintermonths. carbonmonoxidepoisoning. • Ifyourvehicleisstrandedinsnow,makesuretheexhaustpipenotblockedbysnowtoprevent • Iftraveling,keepwaterandblanketsinyourvehicle. • Bringpetsindoorswhentemperaturesarepredictedtofallbelowfreezing. • Stayawayfromfallenpowerlinescausedbyanicestorm. maymakeitdifficulttoleavethedriveway. • Ifyourdrivewayisonanincline,movevehicletoasafeplacebeforeprecipitationbegins. Ice Here aresometipsforwinterweatherpreparedness: information aheadofanapproachingwinterstorm. temperatures. Aswithotherweathersystems,alwaysstayupdatedandcontinuegathering snowstorms, canbedangerousduetohazardoustravel,utilityinterruptions,andfreezing Although notascommonothernaturalhazardsinGeorgia,winterstorms,suchiceor 3.7 WinterWeather PreparednessandSafety in amobilehome Mobile homesareparticularlyvulnerabletotornadodamage.Evacuateasaferlocationifyoulive safety areasinyourbuilding.Ifnot,gotothelowestlevelpossibleandavoidroomswithwindows. If youliveinanapartmentcomplex,checkwiththefrontofficetoseeiftherearedesignated • Donotattemptto“outdrive”atornado. • Useflashlightsinsteadofcandlestoavoidaccidentalfires. • Afteratornado,checkinwithfamilyandfriends. flooding. • Ifyouhaveapre-designatedundergroundsaferoom,makesurethisareaisnotproneto • Stayawayfromwindows. . example,abuildingon fireisanemergency;ainoutside pitisnot. Taketurnssharingsituations andtalkingaboutwhetherornotthey areanemergency.For • Helpchildrenidentify an emergency. childrenknowhowtofindthem. Ifyourcommunitydoesnotuse911,enterlocal numbersintoyourcellphones,andmakesure practiceidentifying911onthephoneorcommunity numbersforfire,police,orambulance. tothinkthroughactionsforreallifecrises.Rehearse howtocallforhelp.Helpyoungchildren planforthatkindofemergency.Thisgiveschildren aconcreteexampletodiscussandthetime • Talkaboutaspecificsituation. Here aresomesimpleideastohelpchildrenprepare beforeahazard: to doinafire,tornado,orhurricaneevacuation. afternoon orevening,evenwhiledoingchorestogether.Schedulefamilydrillstopractice what the day.Forexample,youcandiscusswhilesharingamealorsnack,duringquiettimein the discuss whateachfamilymembershoulddoincaseofahazardsituationatinformaltimesduring One importanttooltohelppreparechildrenforhazardsisreviewwhatdoregularly.You can can helpreducechildren’sstressbymakingtheunknownmorefamiliar. emergency boxorstockingyourfirstaidkit.Talking,practicing,andactivelypreparingtogether them skillsandinformationtheycanuselater.Involvechildreninputtingtogetherafamily practicing howtoevacuateaburninghomeorcall911canhelpchildrencopebygiving children andpracticetogetherhowtorespondduringahazardousevent.Simpletaskslike shelter, clothingandsleep.Onceyouhavecreatedaplan,talkthroughthebasicswithyour you willneed,whereeveryoneshouldmeet,andhowtotakecareofbasicneedssuchasfood, Well beforeahazardstrikes,adultsinfamilyshouldcreateplan.Thinkthroughthesupplies documents/7877 which canbefoundintheir“AreYouReady?”guide( provides preparednessworksheetsthatwalkindividualsthroughmultiplehazardsanddisasters, occurs, ratherthantryingtocopewiththestresswhenyouareexperiencinghazard.FEMA It ismucheasiertothinkthroughactionsandreactionscrisissituationsbeforetheemergency reactions mightbe,andhowthecrisismayaffecteachperson’semotionalphysicalwell-being. strikes. Considernotonlyhowyourchildrenmightreactinahazard,butalsowhatown can usuallyhelpbothchildrenandadultsinyourfamilycopemoreeffectivelywhenahazard what thehazardis(fire,tornado,flood,etc.),preparingwithsomethoughtandactionbeforehand Your familymayrealizeclearlyafterahazardwhatcouldhavebeendonetogetready.Nomatter 3.8.1 3.8 HelpingChildren HelpingChildrenPrepareBeforeaHazardStrikes ). Readanewsstoryaboutanemergency.Talkover yourfamily’s Remindchildrennotto call911unlessitisanemergency. https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/ 37

Protecting Yourself and Your Family 38 with latersituations. out importantroles.Having ajobhelpsthemfeelpartofthefamily andpreparesthemtocope flashlight tothedesignated shelter-in-placelocationtoyourchild. They needandwanttocarry no matterhowsmallthey mightbe.Forexample,designatethejobof locatingandbringingthe • Givechildrenajob. children, feelmoresecure. to yourchild.Havingsomethingfamiliarinanew situationhelpseveryone,andespeciallyyoung possessions --afavoriteblanket,doll,stuffed animal,orothertoy--thatcanprovidecomfort • Bringalongsecurityobjects. than asimpleexplanation. children fromallinformation;theycansensethat somethingiswrong,andnotknowingscarier your familyishandlingit.Thishelpsreducechildren’s fearoftheunknown.Donottrytoshield • Explaininsimpleterms. calm, childrenaremorelikelytostaycalmaswell. • Remaincalm. coming. Beingalertandactingquicklymayhelpkeepyourfamilysafe. • Takecareofsafetyfirst. Here aresomepointstorememberwhenhelpingchildrencopeduringahazard: patience areessentialtohelp hazard andmayfeelextremestresswhentheirlivesaredisrupted.Extraunderstanding and preschool-agechildrendonothavetheabilitytounderstandwhatishappeningduring a family, butyoungchildrenmaybemorefrightenedthanadultsoroldersiblings.Infants,toddlers Natural hazardssuchasfloods,fires,tornadoesorhurricanescanbedifficultforeveryone inthe 3.8.2 box inasafeplaceandpullitoutduringemergenciesthatrequireshelteringathome. • Stockaboxwithgames,books,andhobbymaterialseachfamilymembermightenjoy.Keepthe who maybetrapped. locating eachpersoninthehouse.Worktogethertofigureouthowescapeandhelpthose slip fromthefirstjarlocatingfire.Haveeachfamilymembertakeasecondjar, paper, writedownvariousroomswhereyoumightbe,andputtheminasecondcontainer.Pull a firemighthappeninyourhouse.Putthembowlorhat.Onfivesixotherslipsof • Tryafamilygameof“Escape.” isgood;hidingunderthebedtoavoidfirefightersbad. waystorespond.Forexample,leavingthehouseandgoingafamilymeetingplaceduringfire thatmightariseinyourareaandthenask,“Whatdoyoudo?”Talkaboutgoodwaysbad • Playagameof“Let’sPretend.” HelpingChildrenCopeDuringaHazard Rememberthatchildrenmirrortheirparents’behaviors.Ifyouprojectasenseof Ifthereisworktobedone duringthehazard,findjobsthatchildren cando, Followpublicsafetywarningsandseekshelterwhenhazardsare Tellchildrensimplyandmatter-of-factlyabouttheproblemhow childrencope. If youneedtoevacuateandhavetime,safelycollect afew Onfiveorsixslipsofpaper,writedowndifferentplaceswhere Withpreschoolandkindergartners,describeahazardsituation else. each child’slikesanddislikes ortheirparticularfears.Youknowyour childrenbetterthananyone your children’sphysical andemotionalhealth,givetheminformation tohelpthem,suchas • Communicateregularly withtherelativeorfriendwhoistakingcare ofyourchildren.Askabout best tostickthatschedule • Tellthemhowoftenyouwillbeintouchwith themandhowyouwillcommunicate.Doyourvery simple calendarthatchildrencanusetomark off thedaysuntilyoureturn. • Tellthemhowlongyouwillbeaway.If begoneformorethanadayortwo,create feel moresecure. • Explainwheretheywillbestayingand youwillbe.Knowingwherearehelpthem much lessstressfulthanleavingthemwithsomeone theybarelyknow. • Chooseatrustedadult.Leavingyourchildren withsomeonetheyarefamiliarandloveis the separationprematurely. • Waittotellthemuntilyouhavemadespecificplans.Thiswillpreventfromworrying about Here aresomewaystohelpprepareyourchildforbeingawayfromhome–andyou: effects ofanaturalhazard. Sometimes itisnecessarytoleavechildrenwitharelativeorfriendwhileyoucopecertain 3.8.3 the hazardtogether. Reassure feelings ofloss. your child thatitisokaytobe upset and thatyour family will getthrough favorite toy.Askchildrenofallagestotalkaboutwhattheymiss.Itisalsookayshareyour own because theirdailyroutineisdisrupted,ortheymaybemissingsomethingspecialsuchasa petor • Talkwithyourchild. everyone’s stresslevel. a fastgameofSimonSays,ortakingturnsjumpingropecangetthebloodflowingandlower your familyisstuckindoorsforanextendedtime,findcreativewaystobeactive.Adanceparty, • Findwaystobeactive. children toexpressfeelings,relievestress,andcopewithfear. magnitude andseverityofthehazard.Alsokeepinmindthatplaycanbeapowerfulwayfor behaving seriouslyenough.Rememberthatmostyoungchildrenarenotabletounderstandthe fun. Adultswhodonotunderstandchilddevelopmentmightbeupsetorpunishchildrenfor • Rememberthatchildrenarestillchildren. them feelmoresecure. is acommonsignofstressforchildren.Bepatientandgivethechildextrareassurancetohelp want tobecuddled,ora3-year-oldwhohasbeenusingthetoiletmayhaveaccidentsagain.This they previouslyoutgrew.Forexample,afive-orsix-year-oldmayasktositonparent’slap • Bepreparedforregression. HelpingYourChildPrepareforSeparation Hazardsarechallengingandupsettingforeveryone.Childrenmaybeupset Physicalactivityisagreatstress-relieverforadultsandchildrenalike.If . In acrisis,childrenmayreturntounusually“childish”behaviorthat Eveninacrisis,childrenmayfindwaystohave 39

Protecting Yourself and Your Family 40 concerns, reachouttotheorganizationspartneredwithcoalition. support olderadultsandindividualswithdisabilitiesduringdisasters.Ifyouhavespecificneedsor state andfederallyfundedcoalitionthatpartnerswithorganizationsthroughoutGeorgia,aimingto Georgia EmergencyPreparednessCoalitionforIndividualswithDisabilitiesandOlderAdultsisa important forindividualsandcaregiverstohaveapreparednessplaninthecaseofanemergency. The elderlyandthoselivingwithdisabilitiesareatanincreasedriskduringnaturalhazards.Itis 3.9 HelpingtheElderlyandPeoplewithFunctionalAccessNeeds https://ada.georgia.gov/ • GeorgiaStateFinancing andInvestmentCommission–StateADA CoordinatorsOffice https://gema.georgia.gov/ • GeorgiaEmergencyManagement Agency(GEMA) https://dph.georgia.gov/emergency-preparedness PreparednessandResponse • GeorgiaDepartmentofPublicHealth–Division ofHealthProtection–OfficeEmergency https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/portal/site/DBHDD/ • GeorgiaDepartmentofBehavioralHealthand DevelopmentalDisabilities http://thegao.org/ • GeorgiaAdvocacyOffice(GAO) https://www.gcdhh.org/ • GeorgiaCenterfortheDeafandHardofHearing https://www.fodac.org/ • FriendsofDisabledAdultsandChildren(FODAC) https://www.fema.gov/ • FederalEmergencyManagementAgency(FEMA) https://dhs.georgia.gov/division-offices/office-facilities-support-services • DepartmentofHumanServices,OfficeFacilitiesandSupportServices(OFSS) https://aging.georgia.gov/ • DepartmentofHumanServices–DivisionAgingService(DAS) https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/dema/dekalb-emergency-management-agency • DekalbEmergencyManagementAgency(DEMA) https://cacp.gatech.edu/ • CenterforAdvancedCommunicationsPolicy–GeorgiaInstituteofTechnology https://atlautism.org/ • AtlantaAutismConsortium http://www.georgiaredcross.org/ • AmericanRedCross–Atlanta Community partnersinclude:

emergencies, ifpossible. Besuretopackextrabatteriesforpower-charged wheelchairsandhavea need. Ifyourelyonawheelchair formobility,makesureyouhaveamanual wheelchairincaseof Evacuating duringhazards canbeevenmorechallengingifyoulivewith afunctionaloraccess 3.9.3 that youarebetterpreparedtohelpduringahazard. you inanevacuation.Ifareacaretaker,help createtheplanandprepareanemergencykitso contact list.Ifyouhaveformsofidentification suchasanIDormedicalbracelet,keepthosewith medications currentlyprescribed,alongwithimportant thingstorememberandanemergency If youoralovedonearelivingwithmemory impairment,makesuretohavealistofany alleviate someofthestress. preparedness planonwhattododuringahazard.Havingdetailed,step-by-stepcan Memory functionmaybebettersomedaysoverothers,butitisimportanttocreateanemergency illnesses. Emergenciesandunfamiliarenvironmentscancausemajorstressfeelingsofpanic. hazard, memoryimpairmentcancauseagreatdealofharmtoindividualsexperiencingthese Alzheimer’s andDementiaaffectalargeportionoftheagingpopulation.Ineventnatural 3.9.2 office. Theywillbeabletoassistanddirectyoutheappropriateresourcesbasedonyour needs. management agency.Todothis,findthelocationclosesttoyoufromAppendixAandcontact that If youoralovedonerequiresadditionalassistance,registerwithyourlocalemergency 3.9.1 https://gatfl.gatech.edu/index.php EnterpriseInnovationInstitute • ToolsforLife–TheAlternativeMediaAccessNetworkGeorgiaInstituteofTechnology http://www.adasoutheast.org/ • SoutheastADACenter https://www.shepherd.org/ • ShepherdCenter https://gvs.georgia.gov/ • ProjectIndependence:AFunctionoftheGeorgiaVocationalRehabilitationAgency http://www.gnrhealth.com/ • Gwinnett,Newton,andRockdaleCountyHealthDepartments GwinnettCoalitionforHealthandHumanServices • GwinnettCoalitionforHealthandHumanServiceEmergencyPreparednessCommittee https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/Splashpages RegisterwithYourLocalEmergencyManagementOffice HelpingIndividualswithFunctional and AccessNeeds HelpingIndividualswithMemoryImpairment 41

Protecting Yourself and Your Family 42 emergency bagorkitaccordingly. You knowtheneedsofyourselfandyourlovedonesbest.Listoutdailypack an anxiety. kit thatwillhelpinloud,stressfulenvironments.Bringsecurityitemsreducestressand headphones, games,coloringbooks,andasmalltenttominimizedistractionsinyouremergency If youoralovedoneexperiencessensorydisorder,packitemssuchasnoise-cancelling disasters. of anemergency.Manysheltersandorganizationsareabletoprovidecertainmedicationsin levels. Additionally,talkwithyourprimarycarepractitioneraboutmedicationrefillsinthe event emergency kitwithinsulin,medication,snacks,andnecessaryequipmenttocheckbloodsugar alternative locationsoftreatmentcenters.Ifyoulivewithdiabetes,makesurepreparean For thosereliantonregularmedicaltreatmentssuchasdialysisorchemotherapy,beawareof primary carepractitionerormedicalprovideraboutwhattodointhecaseofanemergency. If youlivewithachronicillnessormedicaldiagnosisthatimpactsyourdailylife,talk make sureyoubringyourtechnologyaid,batteries,andanythingelseneededforassistance. writing toolsandpaperasacommunicationaid.Ifyouareunabletowriteorusefinemotorskills, hearing aids,andbatteries.Forthemutepopulationorforthosewithdeterioratingillnesses,bring For individualswhohavehearingimpairmentsoraredeaf,bringwritingutensilsandpaper, communicating withoutatechnologyaid. service animal.Ifyoulivewithcommunicationbarriers,makesurehavealternativewaysof limited sight,makesureyouhavethetoolsneedtogetaroundsuchasasupportcaneor plan inplaceifyouloseaccesstopower.Forpeoplewhoarevisuallyimpairedorthosewith • Donotassume thatifyouevacuate, youwillbeabletoreturn immediately. • Donotleavepetsbehind. • Havepetvaccinationrecords, particularlyrabiesanddistemper. • Havealeashandcrate orcarrierforyourpets. • Havearecentphotoofyourpet. • Microchipyourpet. More petpreparednesstips: (https://www.bringfido.com/ soon aspossibleifyouareinamandatoryevacuation zone.YoucanchecktheBringFidowebsite plane. Often,hotelsneartheevacuationzonereach capacityearly,soitisimportanttoevacuateas hotels willalsoacceptpets,andavarietyofairlineswaivepetfeesifyouareevacuating by If youareevacuatingwithanimals,emergencyofficialswilldesignatesheltersforpets.Many 3.9.4 HelpingPets ) foralistofpet-friendlylodginglocations. 5. Airdrycansatleast1 hourbeforeopening(withsanitizedcanopener). 4. Soakcansinasolution oftwotablespoonschlorinebleachtoeach gallonofwaterfor15 around 3. Washthecansinastrongsoapordetergent solutionwithascrubbrush.Carefullycleanareas 2. Removepaperlabels(theycanharbordangerous bacteriaandwilllikelyfalloffduringcleaning). 1. Markcontentsonthecanwithapermanent inkpenifthishasnotalreadybeendone. To cleansealedfoodcansafteraflood: contamination tooccurandcouldcontainbacteria. badly dented.Canswithlargeorseveredentsin thesidesordentsnearseamsmayhaveallowed require refrigerationuntilopened.Donoteatoutofanycansthatarerusty,leaking,bulging, or can orjarwarmed,ifpreferred.Foodsthatarecannedconsideredshelfstableanddonot canned orproperlyhome-cannedfoodsarealreadycookedandcanbeeatenrightoutofthe should notbeusedforfoodsneedingthoroughcookingtosafeconsumption.Commercially Warming devicessuchascandlewarmers,chafingdishes,andfonduepotsthatusesmallfuel cans temperature guidelinesabove,cookthemthoroughly.Ifcookingisnotpossible,dousethem. If rawmeats,poultry,seafood,eggs,orproductscontainingtheseingredientsmeetthe perishable foods. in cold.Besuretopinblanketsbacksothattheairventisnotcovered.Finally,beginuse non- of thefreezerhasremainedat40ºForbelow.Coveringwithblanketswillhelpto hold at leasttwodays.Consumethefoodsonlyiftheyhaveicecrystalsremainingortemperature foods willusuallystillhaveicecrystalsintheircenters,whichmeansthefoodissafeto eatfor and thenrefroze,whichmeansthefoodisstillsafetoeat.Inawell-filled,well-insulatedfreezer, bag oficecubesinthefreezer.Ifyoureturntoasolidcubethenknowfoodfullydefrosted plan toevacuateandarenotsurehowlongthepowermighthavebeenout,youcanputaplastic minimize thenumberoftimesyouopenfreezerdoor,postalistcontentsonit.If 40º F,discardperishablefoods.Then,usefoodsfromthefreezeruntiltheybecometoowarm.To If thepowerhasbeenoffmorethanfourhoursandtemperatureofrefrigeratorisabove If youareathomeandtheelectricityhasgoneoff,firstconsumeperishablerefrigeratedfoods. 3.11 FoodSafetyaftertheEmergency pet feesduringamandatoryevacuation. are petfees.Somehotelsthatdonotnormallyacceptpetsmaymakeexceptionsandevenwaive children, and/orpets.Ifneeded,inquireaboutspacesthatmightbeavailablefornursingorifthere Ensure thatpublicshelters,hotelsandotherlodgingfacilitiescanaccommodateinfants,young minutes. lids andseams. 43

Protecting Yourself and Your Family 44 gives evacueesafreeplace tostayforacertainlengthoftime.Additionally, theGeorgia 3.12 WhattodoifyouloseEverything participates inanOpen HomesProgram( Georgia stateparkstypically waiveparkfeesforpeopleandtheirpets duringevacuations.Airbnb management. emotional andspiritualcare,emergencycommunications, disastersocialservices,anddonations is anotherwell-knownorganizationthatprovides emergencyresourcessuchasfoodservice, childcare, laundry,anddirectaccesstoservices providedbytheirpartners.TheSalvationArmy In someemergencies,theRedCrossmaybeable toprovideaccessdisastercaseworkers, • Informationaboutdisaster-relatedresources inthecommunity. • Helpreconnectingwithlovedones. • Spiritualcare. • Emotionalsupportandmentalhealthservices. replacinglosteyeglasses. • Healthservices(fordisaster-relatedconditions),suchasfirstaid,refillinglostprescriptions, or • Meals,snacks,andwater. • Asafeplacetosleep. The AmericanRedCrossprovides: soon aspossibleifyouareinamandatoryevacuationzone.YoucanchecktheBringFidowebsite. plane. Often,hotelsneartheevacuationzonereachcapacityearly,soitisimportanttoevacuate as hotels willalsoacceptpets,andavarietyofairlineswaivepetfeesifyouareevacuating by If youareevacuatingwithanimals,emergencyofficialswilldesignatesheltersforpets.Many 3.12.1 first stepstorecovering. difficult toknowwhatdonext.Findinghousing,food,andfinancialresourcesareimportant If yourhomeisdevastatedbyadisasterandyoufindyourselfexperiencinggreatloss,itcanbe include homecannedfoods,boxesandbags,thosewithpull-backfilmsorfoilclosures. caps shouldnotbedisposedofafterflooding.Otherfoodstodiscardcontactwithfloodwater with floodwatersoccurred.Foodcontainersscrewcaps,snaplids,pulltops,andcrimped used. Alsodiscardanyfood,includingpetnotinawaterproofcontainerifyoususpectcontact Any raw,unpackagedfoodsthatmayhavebeencontaminatedwithfloodwatersshouldnotbe FindingFoodandHousing https://www.airbnb.com/openhomes/disaster-relief ) that Department ofHumanServiceswould providethisprogram inthefuturefollowing disasters Although D-TANFwas implemented inresponsetoHurricaneMichael, itislikelythatthe disaster. • Grossincomeunder300% oftheFederalPovertyLimit(FPL)forhousehold sizeatthetimeof • MeetTANFbasiceligibility. school). • ProvideproofthattheHouseholdincludesminor childrenundertheageof18(orandin • Providephotoidentificationandproofofresidency atthetimeofdisaster. • ResideinoneofthecountiesdeclaredforFEMA IndividualAssistanceatthetimeofdisaster. • ProvideproofofapplicationforFEMAIndividual Assistance. The DHShaslistedthefollowingcriterianeeded tobemetinorderqualifyforD-TANF: Services (DFCS). Michael throughtheDepartmentofHumanServices(DHS)andDivisionFamilyChildren Disaster TemporaryAssistanceforNeedyFamilies(D-TANF)wasmadeavailableafterHurricane and thedisasterassistanceprocess. regulations aroundfloodplains.SeeSection5foradditionalinformationonhowtonavigate FEMA homeowners topurchaseaffordablefloodinsuranceandencouragescommunitiesimplement benefits andre-employmentservices.TheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram(NFIP)allows helps individualswhohave become unemployed due to major disasters by providing unemployment for freetovictimsofdisastersseekinglegalaid.TheDisasterUnemploymentAssistanceProgram implement short-termcounselingservicesinimpactedareas.DisasterLegalServicesareprovided and lossesarenotcoveredbyinsurance.CrisisCounselinggrantsprovidedforstatesto grants providemoneyorassistancetoindividuals,families,businesseswhosepropertydamage Insurance Program.Disaster Assistance Flood Program, andtheNational Unemployment Assistance FEMA grantsincludeDisasterAssistance,CrisisCounseling,LegalServices, available uponapprovalandareonlyforlossesnotcoveredbyinsurance. goods andservicessuchasvehicles,essentialappliances,child-care.Thesegrantsareonly repairs todamagedhouses,andOtherNeedsAssistance,whichprovidesreplacementofessential Presidential DeclarationofaMajorDisaster.GrantsincludeHousingAssistance,whichprovide Georgia EmergencyManagementAgency(GEMA)IndividualAssistanceGrantsareavailableupon same situationasyou. you receivefinancialassistance.Dependingonthedisaster,thousandsofpeoplecouldbein It isimportanttonotethatgovernmentaidtakestimeprocess,anditcouldbemonthsbefore 3.12.2 disaster. georgiahousingsearch.org/) forthoselookingshort-orlong-termhousingoptionsaftera Department ofCommunityAffairsofferstheGeorgiaHousingSearchtool(https://www. FinancialResources

Protecting Yourself and Your Family 46 of EmergencyManagementAgencylocationsthroughoutGeorgia. Recovery CenterorEmergencyManagementOfficeformoreinformation.SeeAppendixAalist farmers, businesses,legalservices,andavarietyofloans.ContactyourlocalFEMADisaster There areadditionalfederaldisasterassistanceprogramsdependingonspecificneedssuchas house andareexperiencingunreasonabledelayofrepairsfromyourlandlord. or countyofresidence.ContacttheGeorgiaLegalServicesProgramifyouareunabletoliveinyour taken. Basedonlocalhousingcodes,conditionsmayornotbeenforcedbyyourcity landlord willnotletyououtofyourleaseorfixrepairsafteradisaster,legalactioncanbe Georgia LegalAidprovidesresourcestorentersabouthousedamagesduedisasters.Ifyour impacting low-incomeGeorgiaresidents(https://dhs.georgia.gov/ • Feelinglikethetrauma ishappeningagain(flashbacks). • Suddenfeelingsofanxiety orpanic. • Unwanteddistressing memories,images,orthoughts. life. CommonsymptomsmentionedbytheNational CenterforPTSDinclude: response totraumaticexperiencesthatlastslonger thanamonthandinterfereswithyourdaily Many peoplemayexperiencePostTraumaticStress Disorder(PTSD)afteradisaster.PTSDis agencies throughoutthestateofGeorgiathatyou cancontact. thoughts ofself-harmorsuicide.AppendixChas areferencelistofmentalhealthclinicsand disturbances, thoughtirregularexpression offeelings,changesinbehavior,and Signs youmightneedtoseekprofessionalhelp includesocialwithdrawalandisolation,mood take time. skills. Returningtonormalroutinesishelpfulbut,dependingonthedisasteranddamage,this can gradually afterafewweeks.Identifywaysyoucanpracticeself-careanddevelophealthycoping after hazardsincludestressandnaturalreactionstoloss.Typically,symptomswillgoaway Your mentalhealthisjustasimportantyourphysicalhealth.Commonsymptoms 3.13.1 member, send“TextWithUs”to66746. from disasters.Totalktosomeoneoverthephone,call1-800-985-5990.textwithaHelp Line The NationalDisasterDistressHelpLineisavailableforthoseexperiencingemotionaldistress yourself orfamilymembersexperiencingdifficultiescoping,thereareresourcesthatcanhelp. Coping withhazardscancauseoverwhelmingfeelingsofanxiety,stress,andloss.Ifyoufind 3.13 HelpingYourself CopeafteranEmergency MentalHealth ). mental health concernsforchildren, adolescents,andadults. See AppendixC throughout Georgia.To reachthisservice,call1-800-334-2836. The GeorgiaCoalitionAgainst DomesticViolenceprovidesaccesstodomestic violenceshelters defined/ visit theNationalDomesticAbuseHotline( digital, andreproductivecoercion.Formoreinformation ontypesofabuseandhowtoseekhelp, Types ofdomesticabuseorintimatepartnerviolence includephysical,emotional,sexual,financial, person inauthority.Ifyouareexperiencingdomestic abuse,seekhelpimmediately. higher amountofstressandchaos.Ifyousee something thatlooksconcerning,saytoa Experiencing familyorintimatepartnerviolence afterahazardhappensmorefrequentlyduetothe this service.Formoreinformationvisittheirwebsite( organization thatprovidesresourcesforsexualassaultandabuse.Call1-800-656-4673toreach The Rape,AbuseandIncestNationalNetwork(RAINN)isanationalanti-sexualviolence bed-wetting andnightmares,avoidanceofphysicalcontact. of difficultyconcentrating,expressingsexualknowledgeorbehaviorthatisinappropriate for age, symptoms ofsexualviolenceinchildrencanlooksimilartodepressionorPTSD.Lookoutfor signs or bleeding,rippedclothing,andpaindistresswhilewalkingsittingdown.Behavioral Look outforanyphysicalsignsofsexualviolenceinchildrenandadolescentssuchasbruising this situation,seekhelpfromsomeoneyoutrust. sexual assault,howeveritdoesoccurmorefrequentlywithwomenandgirls.Ifyoufindyourself in space iscrowdedandlimited.Women,men,childrenallhavethepossibilityofexperiencing fear orshame.Duringhazards,sexualassaultiscommoninmassevacuationareaswhereshelter Sexual assaultandfamily/intimatepartnerviolenceareoftenhiddenkeptsecretbecause of 3.13.2 health servicesthroughoutGeorgia.Toreachthisservice,call1-800-715-4225. For immediatementalhealthassistance,theGeorgiaCrisisandAccessLineprovidescrisis behavior andtalkwithyourchildrenabouthowtheyarefeeling. symptoms differentlythanadultsduetovariousdevelopmentalstages.Payattentionchangesin to person.Likeanymentalhealthproblem,childrenandadolescentsoftenexpresssigns People experiencetraumadifferentlyanddistressdoesnotalwayslookthesamefromperson • Troublefeelingorexpressingpositiveemotions. • Difficultyconcentratingorstayingfocused. • Irritability,anger,andrage. • Difficultyfallingorstayingasleep. • Dreamsandnightmaresrelatedtothetrauma. SexualAssaultandFamilyViolence ) orseeAppendixC. foralistofcrisisandmental healthresourcesandadditionalinformation on https://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse- https://www.rainn.org/) orseeAppendixC. 47

Protecting Yourself and Your Family 48 landlord orrentalmanagementagencybefore making anychangestotheproperty. in implementinglow-costretrofitstoyourrental property,besuretoseekthepermissionofyour taking protectivemeasuressuchascoveringwindows andclearingtheyards.Ifyouareinterested the propertyforanextremeweathereventorevacuation.Determinewhowillberesponsible for your landlordpotentialtoclarifyexpectationsandresponsibilitiesofbothpartiesinpreparing impacts, particularlymaintainingthelandscapingyear-round.Besuretocommunicatewith of protectingtheproperty.Youcanalsotakeimportantactionsasarentertoreducepotential contents safe.Youcanplayakeyroleineducatingyourlandlordabouthazardrisksandways renting aproperty,youstillhavevestedinterestinkeepingyourself,yourfamily,and Many ofthestepsoutlinedinthischapterareintendedforhomeowners.However,ifyou 5. Whatstepsyoutaketostrengthenyourhome 4. Howyourhomehasbeenmaintained 3. Howwellyourhomewasbuilt 2. Theseverityofthehazardevent 1. Yourlocation listed below: The abilityforyourhousetosurviveahazardeventislimitedbyseveralfactors,someofwhich are events. recommendations inthischapterwillgreatlyimprovethechancesyourhomesurviveextreme the impactsofhazards.Whetheryouarebuildingnew,orremodelingyourhome,following risks fromhazards,floodingandhurricanesthenmitigatingforthemcanhelpminimize to protecttheirpropertyandmitigatethedamagecausedbynaturalhazards.Knowingyour you willhaveahometocomebackafteranevacuation.Homeownerscantakeseveralsteps from dailyandsevereweatherconditions,astrongerhomemeansthemorelikelyitisthat Protecting yourpropertyandprotectingfamilygohandinhand.Yourhomeprovidesshelter Protect andStrengthenYour Property PART FOUR: standards allowshomes tobetterwithstandthehazardstheymayface andallowshomeownersto by buildingcodesusing “beyondcode”standardsandbuildingmethods. Buildingbeyondcode are definedastheminimum standard.However,homescanbebuilt exceeding whatisrequired Research anddatahave informedthebestpracticestostrengthenyour home.Buildingcodes 4.1 BestStandardsforBuildingBetter • International FireCode • InternationalResidential Code • InternationalBuilding Code Mandatory BuildingCodes AcrossGeorgia: when remodeling,re-roofing,orbuildingnew structures. meet theminimumcoderequirementsinyour area,youcanexceedminimumbuildingstandards protection orforensuringthatyourpropertyis thereafterthenextbigstorm.Whileyoumust building industryalevelofconsistency.Building codesareintendedforlifesafety,notproperty codes everythreetosixyearsprovidealevel oflife-savingprotectionandtoprovidethelocal If yourcity,jurisdiction,ormunicipalityenforces buildingcodes,thentheytypicallyadoptthe department. codes areinplaceyourareabycontactinglocalbuildingcodeofficeorplanningand zoning building codescanreduceclaimfrequencyby60%andseverity42%.Findoutwhich or rebuildyourhomeafteradisaster.Buildingcodescanchangeovertime,andutilizingnewer what codesareinplacewhenyoubuyorbuildanewhome,re-roofupdateyourexisting home, Many citiesandjurisdictionsadoptenforcebuildingcodes,butsomedonot.Youneedto know inoccupancyofexistingstructures. • InternationalExistingBuildingCode(IEBC):Appliestothealteration,repair,addition,orchange andtownhousesofnotmorethanthreestoriesinheight. • InternationalResidentialCode(IRC):Appliestonewlyconstructedone-andtwo-familydwellings • InternationalBuildingCode(IBC):Appliestoalmostalltypesofnewbuildings. International Codesinclude: the modelbuildingcodesmaintainedbyInternationalCodeCouncil(ICC).TheICC’sfamily of Rather thancreatingandmaintainingtheirowncodes,moststateslocaljurisdictionsadopt health, safety,andwelfareofbuildingoccupants. maintenance ofstructures.Theyspecifytheminimumrequirementstoadequatelysafeguard weather. Buildingcodesaresetsofregulationsgoverningthedesign,construction,alteration,and When andhowyourhomewasbuiltcanmakeabigdifferenceinitwillperformduringsevere 4.1.1 Technical BulletinsandReports(https://www.fema.gov/building-science codes-industrialized-buildings/construction-codes Community Affairswebsite( More informationaboutGeorgiaStateMinimumStandardBuildingCodeonDepartmentof or insurer. that makeahomemoreresilienttonaturalhazards.Tolearnmore,contactyourinsuranceagent recover morequickly.Manyinsurancecompaniesalsogivepremiumdiscountsforspecificactions UnderstandingBuildingCodes https://www.dca.ga.gov/local-government-assistance/construction- ). YoucanalsolookupFEMA’sBuildingScience ).

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 50 Permissive BuildingCodes: • InternationalSwimmingPoolandSpaCode • InternationalEnergyConservationCode • NationalElectricalCode • InternationalFuelGasCode • InternationalMechanicalCode • InternationalPlumbingCode home insuranceandincreasedvalueinyourhome. requirements. SeePart5formoreinformation onhowthisstandardcanleadtodiscountsinyour to assurethatyourhomewasbuilt,re-roofed, orretrofittedtomeettheprogram’sstringent In ordertoreceiveadesignation,youwillneed touseanIBHSCertifiedFORTIFIEDEvaluator homes incoastalorbarrierislandcommunities. is particularlyrelevantforpropertiesthatareconsidered highrisktonaturalhazards,suchas such ashurricanes,strongthunderstorms,and lower-leveltornadoes.TheFORTIFIEDdesignation home. Theyhelpensurethatyourhomeoffersadditionalprotectionduringsevereweather events, FORTIFIED standardscanbeusedwhenbuildinganewhome,re-roofing,orupdatinganexisting structures forhomeownersandbusinesses. conducts buildingsafetyandmitigationresearch,identifyingwaystoincreasetheresilience of Business andHomeSafety(IBHS).Fundedbyproperty(re)insurers,IBHSisanonprofitthat Home™ programisanationallyrecognizedbuildingstandarddevelopedbytheInstitutefor For homeownerswhowanttostrengthentheirhomebeyondcodestandards,theFORTIFIED 4.1.2 industrialized-buildings/construction-codes Community Affairs(https://www.dca.ga.gov/local-government-assistance/construction-codes- For moreinformationonbuildingcodes,seeConstructionCodesundertheGeorgiaDepartment of • NationalGreenBuildingStandard • InternationalExistingBuildingCode • InternationalPropertyMaintenanceCode • DisasterResilientCodeIRCAppendix • DisasterResilientBuildingCodeIBCAppendix FORTIFIEDHome™ ).

to horizontal ridgebeam,andpost to beamconnectionslocated attheexteriorwall. post-and-beam roofconstruction, fastenersshouldbeusedatroofrafter toroofbeams,topofpost down. Exteriorbeamssupported bycornercolumnsalsorequirestrap downs.Forhouseswith hurricane clipisrequired foreachrafter,andtheraftersatgable-end eavesshouldbestrapped Concepts regardingthe roof-to-wallconnectionarecoveredinSection 4.5.Aproperlyselected 4.2.1 Retrofitting ( More informationaboutretrofittinghomescan befoundatFEMA’sHomeowner’sGuideto • Strongerconnectorsthanthoserequiredinthe currentbuildingcode. • Hurricaneclipsonlywithoutadditionalfoundation connection. • Roof-to-wallandwall-to-foundationconnections. installing thefollowingcommonretrofitoptions: consult withalicensedstructuralengineerorarchitect.Theycangooverthecostsandbenefits of Most ofusliveinexistinghomes,butwhenupdatingorretrofittinganhome,you should 4.2 RetrofittingandExistingHome Vents areratedforhigh-winds attachment androofcoverings Sealed roofdeck,standardized standardized gableoverhang and gableventsarerated Structural sheathingand Roof-to-WallConnection Gables –Exterior Attic Ventilation against water BRONZE https://www.fema.gov/homeowners-guide-retrofitting Roof every requirementfromtheBronzelevel,andGoldstandardincludes Table 4-1 requirement fromtheBronzeandSilverlevels.Goldishighestlevelof (Source: InstituteforBusinessandHomeSafety-FORTIFIED“HomeRack”card FORTIFIED programandhasthehighestamountofprotection. . FORTIFIEDHouseDesignationChart.TheSilverstandardincludes FORTIFIED LEVELSOFSTANDARDS Water intrusionresistantsoffit connection topreventuplift Gables bracedforhighwind - tableadaptedfromIBHSwebsite) Approved systemimpact Roof, beamandcolumn Attached Structures protected openings Gables –Bracing Attic Ventilation Openings SILVER vents and floor-to-floorconnections ). Roof-to-wall, wall-to-floor, Designed withappropriate Standardized attachment Continuous LoadPaths

pressure ratings Chimneys Openings GOLD 51

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 52 and havecalculatedthe upliftrequirements. they haveinspectedthe hometounderstandthematerialsandmethods usedtoconstructthehome The installationofuplift connectionsshouldbeplannedbyalicensed structuralengineeronlyafter Strengthening thefoundation toresistupliftwillgenerallyrequirethe removalofinteriorfinishes. 4.2.3 strengthened withawoodepoxyortheapplication ofclosedcellfoaminsulation. sheathing tothetrusshavemissedtruss,this couldbeastructuralweakness.Thejointcan For example,ifyouclimbupintoyouratticand seethatthenailsshouldattachplywood As asidenote,therearesmallthingsyoucan do tostrengthentheroofevenifitisrelativelynew. to dothiswork. and asecondarywaterproofmembranearerequired.Youshouldseeklicensedroofingcontractor structural sheathing(forexample,plywoodwhereitismissingordamaged).Additionalfasteners a roofisreplacedonanexistingstructure.Theroofingoptioninvolvesinstallingcontinuous Strengthening theroofisimportantandshouldbeconsideredfornewconstructions when 4.2.2 for yourhouse.Youcanthendoeitherallorpartofthisworkyourselfhirealicensedcontractor. You shouldseekalicensedstructuralengineerorarchitecttoselecttheproperconnectorsandnails FoundationUpliftStrengtheningRestraint Re-Roofing Figure 4-1.Exampleofretrofittingbyconnectingapiecethehouseto the foundation.Thisisanexampleofattemptingacontinuous load pathconnectionfromtherooftofoundation. (Source: HurricaneProtectionServices) and havecalculatedtheupliftrequirements. they haveinspectedthehometounderstandmaterialsandmethodsusedconstruct Metal, slate,ortileroofscanlastmuchlonger,usually40moreyears. last upto20ormoreyearsdependingontheirtype,location,sunexposure,andmaintenance level. and shouldbereplacedatleastoncewithinthelifetimeofatypicalmortgage.Shingleroofs can metal, ortile.Itprotectsyourhomefromweather,heat,rain,hail,andwindduringitslifespan What youseefromtheoutsideofahomeisroofcovering,typicallyinformshingles, traditional roofingfeltasthepreferredmaterial. shingles isafeltmaterial,however,syntheticroofunderlaymenthasrecentlybeguntoreplace underlayment thatkeepsmoisturefromthedecking.Themostcommonused with the interiorofhome.Thebottomlayeriscalledroofdecking,whichtoppedbyan Several layersofmaterialscreatethestructuralstrengtharoofandkeepwateroutfrom 4.3.1 completely re-roofing. roofing. Therearealsotechniquestostrengthenroofsonexistinghomesthatdonotrequire weather events.Thebestopportunitiesforstrengtheningtheroofarewhenbuildingneworre- the roofisoneofmostimportantandoftencost-effectivewaystoreducedamagefromsevere the roofcoveringislost,watercangetinanddamagehouseitscontents.Strengthening and otherhighwindevents,oftenleadingtosignificantpropertydamageinsidethehome.When risk offailinginasevereweatherevent.Roofdamageiscommon,evenlowerlevelhurricanes vulnerable systemsofthehome.Roofsarehighlyexposedtowind,rain,andhailhave The roofisyourhome’sfirstlineofdefenseagainstsevereweatherandoftenonethemost 4.3 StrengtheningtheRoofSystem RoofingAssembly Guide toCoastalConstruction) (Source: FEMA’s“HomeBuilder’s sequence forSouthernclimates. Figure 4-2 . Theinstallationroofing 53

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 54 contractor, preferablywithcredentialsandreferences. make sureyourroofisproperlyinstalled,onlyhirealicensed,trained,andinsuredrooferor building codesforyourareaandaccordingtotheroofcoveringmanufacturerspecifications.To It isimportanttoensureyourroofcoveringinstalledproperly,basedonwindspeedsand or hurricane. weak thinner than7/16” to protect can betoo Anything a homefromdamage during a severe storm minimum recommendedroofdeckthicknessis 7/16”,butitiscommontofind1/2”roofdecking. case ofmanyolderhomes,individuallysawnwooden boards(oftencalled“oneby’s”or1x’s).The loads totheexteriorwalls.Theroofdeckistypically plywood,orientedstrandboard(OSB)orin rafters). Onceattached,theroofframingbecomes strongerandrigid,soittransferswindorweight This isthewoodpanelingorboards(sheathing) thatareattachedtotheroofstructure(trussesor Roof Deck: (Source: FEMA’s“Homebuilder’sGuidetoCoastalConstruction”) Figure 4-3. Installationinstructionsforasphaltshingles.

professional installerthat istrainedinthisspecificapplicationoffoam. cell foamfromtheinside alongtheseamsandraftersortrusses.This shouldonlybedonebya deck isaccessiblefrom your attic,itmaybepossibletosealroof deckbyapplyingaclosed If youhaveanexisting home thatisnotinneedofanewroofandthe entireundersideofyourroof (https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/6131 • FEMA’sGuidetoCoastalConstruction (http://seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/homeowners-handbook-to-prepare-for-natural-hazards/ • Section4oftheHawaiiHomeowner’sHandbook Technical supplementsforsealingaroofdeckcanbefoundinthefollowing: 3. Installadoublelayerof30#felt. 2. Installaself-adhered(peel-and-stick)membraneoverentireroofdeck. cover witha30#feltorequivalentsyntheticunderlayment. 1. Installa4”widemodifiedbitumenoracrylicroofingflashingtapeoverallroofdeckseams,then There arethreewaystoachieveasealedroofdeckwhenbuildingneworre-roofing: necessary repairs,re-nailtheroofdeck,andapplysealeddeckproperly. is recommendedthattheroofcoveringberemovedtocheckoverallcondition,makeany The besttimetosealaroofiswhenre-roofingorbuildingnewhome.Whenre-roofing,it understand theminimumrequirementsforunderlayment. requiring thisaddedprotection.Checkwithyourstateandlocalbuildingcoderequirementsto lost. Thisisnotacommonpracticeinmostareas,however,somecitiesandcountieshavestarted gaps betweenpiecesoftheroofdecking,sothatwatercannotflowintoatticifcoveris components oftheFORTIFIEDprogram.Aproperlysealedroofdeckisonethatsealsseamsor Sealing theroofdeckisnottypicallyrequiredbycode,butoneofmostimportant Sealed RoofDeck: Figure 4-4. to roofingseamspreventleaking. (Source: FEMA’s“LocalOfficialsGuide Waterintrusiontapebeingapplied for CoastalConstruction”) Figure 4-5 and plywoodsheathingsupportingtheroof. . Sprayfoamedattic,usedtostrengthenrafters ) (Source: FEMA) ) 55

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 56 the FORTIFIEDprogram. installed inmanyexistinghomesandeven some areasfornewconstructionbutisrequiredby from therooffacade,reducingchanceofrotting theroofdeckandfascia.Dripedgemaynotbe Drip EdgeorEaveisimportantflashing at theedgeofroofthathelpschannelwateraway Drip Edge: your riskofdamageinacost-effectiveway. new areopportunetimestoincreasethestrength ofyourhome’sroofdeckattachmentandreduce appropriate attachmenttypesaccordingtotheprobableriskinyourarea.Re-roofingorbuilding deck attachmentismorelikelytobepeeledoffordamaged.Buildingcodestypicallyrequire the major hurricaneorhighwindsandofavoidingdamageduringstorms,whileaweakerroof The strongertheroofdeckattachment,betterahome’schancesareofwithstanding distance needed. the roof.Utilizeyourlocalbuildingcodesasguidanceforwhichnailstouseandappropriate should bespacedaccordingtothebuildingcoderesistdesignwindloadsandpressureon to maximizetheirholdingpower;thefartherapartnailsare,lesseffectivetheyare.Nailing attachment comparedtotraditional8dsmoothnails.Thedistancebetweennailsisalsoimportant Stapling istheweakestattachmenttype,whileringshanknailscandoublestrengthofaroof’s a roofdecktotheroof’sstructure.Typically,deckingisnailedwith“8dsmooth”nails. attachment. Nails,screws,andstaples,collectivelycalledfasteners,arecommonwaystoattach How aroofdeckissecuredtohome’sstructure(thetrussesorjoists)calledits Roof DeckAttachment: Figure 4-6.Exampleofhowtoproperlydriveroofingnailswhen nailing shingles,underlayment,andtheroofdecktogether. (Source: FEMA’s“HomeBuilder’sGuidetoCoastalConstruction”) speed foryourhome’slocation shouldbeavailableatyourlocalbuilding department. rated andinstalledforthe site-specificwindspeedanddesignpressures. Informationonthewind Roof coversotherthan shingles (metal,tile,low-slopedroofs,woodshakes/shingles) shouldbe shingle ratingduringthe purchaseandbiddingprocess,lookfor a ratingofClassG,HorF. be “highwind”ratedandproperlyinstalled,usually meaning6nailspershingle.Askaboutthe Shingles arethemostcommonandinexpensive typeofroofcover.Itisimportantthatshingles winds towhichyourhomemightbesusceptible. your roofcovercanwithstandthehighestpossible speed requirementsforyourareatoensurethat important toknowthebuildingcodeandwind metal ortile.Whenselectingaroofcover,itis system, mostcommonlyconsistingofshingles, The roofcoveristhefinallayerof Roof Cover: For moreinformation,seetheFORTIFIEDroofingchecklist:( for eachtypeofunderlayment. and-stick,” whichalsocreatesasealedroofdeck.TheFORTIFIEDprogramrequirescertaincriteria options toconsider,includingsyntheticunderlaymentandthefullyadheredmembrane,or“peel- Underlayment hashistoricallybeenknownas“tarpaper”orroofingfelt.However,thereare other severe weather.Itisprimarilydesignedtoactasamoisturebarrier. This isinstalledbetweenyourshinglesandroofdeckanaddedlayerofprotection from Roof Underlayment: layer actsasasyntheticunderlaymentmaterial Figure 4-7. on topoftheinitialplywoodlayer. Aself-adhering,modifiedbitumen (Source: HawaiiSeaGrant ) your area’sdesignwindspeedrating. rated ANDproperlyinstalledtomeet Be sureyourroofcoverishighwind HELPFUL TIP: Figure 4-8. self-adhering modifiedbitumenlayer. https://fortifiedhome.org/standards/). (Source: HawaiiSeaGrant) Roofingfelttackedontothe 57

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 58 roofs inherentlysturdier thangable-styleroofs.Duringahurricane,gable-end roofsarevulnerable the roofslopinguptowards thecenterofroof.Thisinwardsloping designmakeship-style roofs havetwoflatends thatareA-shapedandtwoslopedsides.Hip roofshaveallfoursidesof There aretwocommon typesofroofframingforahome:Gable-endand Hip-style.Gable-end 4.3.2 that yourhomeperformswellduringstorms. It iscriticaltodeterminetheappropriateapproach, suchasthenumberandsizeofvents,toensure allow wind-drivenrainandpestsintoyourhome andattic.Therearemanywaystoventan keeping heatingandcoolingcostsaslowpossible. However,ifimproperlydone,ventingcan Venting allowsyourhometobreatheandmaintain comfortableinteriortemperatures,while Roof Venting: also beusedoveranentireroofdecktocreateafullysealeddeck. or underlayment,oftenknownas“iceandwatershield”peel-and-stick.Peel-and-stick can thin metalplatingundertheroofcoveringorbyaddingadditionalfullyadheredroofingmembrane require additionalsealingtokeepwaterfromenteringthehome.Thisisoftendoneusing The oppositeofaridge,valleysareformedwheretwoinwardslopingrooflinesmeet.These areas Valleys: unless ahighwindratedventisusedandproperlyinstalled. to addatticventilationusingridgevents.Ridgeventscanbeanaccesspointforwind-drivenrain Ridges arethehighpointsofaroof,whereroofingcomestopeak.Often,roofridgesused Ridges: Figure 4-9.Theroofridge(onleft)hasholes StrengtheningGablesandSoffits spaced outalongthelengthofridge to createventilationintotheattic. (Source: HawaiiSeaGrant ) Figure 4-10. the roofridgeandissecuredbydoublingnailing pattern. Thisstrengthenstheridgeventandmakes it lessvulnerabletobeingblownoffinastorm. Theridgevent(onright)isappliedover (Source: HawaiiSeaGrant) to thebottomofgable-end. the fourthtruss the topof the fourthtrussandfrom of the bottom the gable-endto the topof from behind thegable-endwallmaybenecessarytoachieveappropriatebracing.Diagonalbracing runs member ofthegable-endwallshouldbebracedusingthismethod,andadditionalverticalbraces wall framingandbracedagainstthenextfourtofiveadjacenttrussesofroof.Eachvertical bracing. Forlateralbracing,asystemofmetalconnectorsand2x4sareattachedtothegable-end Strengthening agable-endroofisrecommendedandcanbedonebyaddinglateraldiagonal catastrophic damagetoahome. rain toenterthroughtheatticandwindpressureblowoffroofdecking,potentiallycausing to intensewindpressureontheirflatends.Ifoneofthoseendscollapses,itcanallowwind-driven (Source: FEMA’s“AgainsttheWind” brochure) overlapping wheretheymeet eachother. 2x4s runningthelengthof roofand Figure 4-13. Figure 4-11.Exampleofagableroof. (Source: Wikimedia“Roof_forms” Lateralbracingconsistsof ) Figure 4-14. fourth truss,andfromthetop ofthefourth (Source: FEMA’s “AgainsttheWind”brochure) top ofthegableendtobottom ofthe trusstothebottomofgable end. Figure 4-12. (Source: Wikimedia“Roof_forms” Diagonalbracingrunsfrom the Exampleofahiproof. ) 59

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 60 should beusedforother stormpreparationtasks. impacted bywindborne debris.Thismethodprovidesnoprotectionand wastesvaluabletimethat Finally, DONOTtapeyourwindows.Itisamyth thatthiswillpreventthemfrombreakingwhen plywood inhighwindsisextremelydangerous. be properlyfastened,andinstallationshouldnot beattemptedoncethewindsincrease.Hanging local buildingcodedepartmentforrequirements specifictoyourarea.Ifplywoodisused,itmust 130mph. However,manycurrentcodesallowthe useofplywood.Itisimportanttocheckwithyour on allopeningstomeetspecifictestingstandards inanylocationwithwindspeedsgreaterthan installed wellinadvanceofastorm.TheFORTIFIED programrequiresshuttersorimpactratings effective, protectivebarriers,suchasshuttersandimpact-ratedwindowsdoorsshould be Keeping outwindandwateriscriticaltothesurvivalofyourhomeduringsevereweather.To be 4.4 ShuttersandOtherProtectiveBarriers cases byusingseveraldifferentapproaches. to getintoahome.Bracingunreinforcedvinyloraluminumsoffitscanbedoneeasilyinmany can failinhighwindsbybeingblownofforpushedintotheatticspace,allowingwindand water 12” indepth link inahome’sprotectionwhentheyare Vinyl oraluminumsoffitscanbeaweak materials likevinyloraluminum. like plywoodorfibercementtoflexible create durablesoffits,fromrigidmaterials Many differentmaterialscanbeusedto a homefromwaterintrusionandwind. exposed eavesandprotecttheinteriorof more than24inchesindepth.Soffitscover have noeaves,ortheycanrangefrom4to the sidesofahomefromrain.Acan to helpventthehome’satticandprotect sometimes calledrafters.Eavescanbeused typically theendsofroof’sstructure, of ahome,itcreateseaves,whichare When aroofoverhangstheexteriorwalls Soffits andEaves: or moreandarenotreinforcedbraced.Withoutreinforcement,thesetypesofsoffits (Source: FEMA’s“Eaves,Overhangs,andSoffits”) Figure 4-15. soffit withanenclosedoverhang. Diagramofahorizontal measures tomeettheirindividualneeds,budgets, andtastes. affect appearance,likeimpact-resistantglazing. Manyhomeownerschooseamixtureofprotective appearance, whichshouldbetakenintoconsideration. However,therearealsooptionsthatdonot determining therightprotection.Somepermanent barriershaveagreaterimpactonbuilding’s foot thanoptionsrequiringprofessionalinstallation. Aestheticsmayalsobeimportantwhen to fityourbudget,includingsomedo-it-yourself options,whichcostabout50%lesspersquare so shutterpanelscanbeputinplacequicklywhen needed.Awiderangeofproductsareavailable protection, permanentfastenersshouldbeinstalled onthebuildinglongbeforestormwarnings, such asimpact-ratedwindowsanddoorsorroll-downaccordionshutters.Fortemporary Protective barriersmaybetemporaryorpermanent.Whenpossible,installpermanentprotection, Protective BarrierOptions: • Helpensurecontinuedhabitabilityofahome. • Reducethechanceofwind-drivenrainsoakinginterior. • Reducethechanceglasswillbreak. • Keepwindpressurefrombuildingupinside,whichoftenleadstolossoftheroof. When installedproperly,protectivebarrierscan: Benefits ofProtectiveBarriersforOpenings: Figure 4-16.Exampleofhowtoproperlydriveroofingnailswhen nailing shingles,underlayment,andtheroofdecktogether. (Source: FEMA’s“HomeBuilder’sGuidetoCoastalConstruction”) 61

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 62 they arestoredincool,dryareasandnotdamagedfromprevioususe. with onephysicallystrongperson.Plywoodshutterscanbetakendownandre-usedconsidering pounds tohelpwiththepreparationanddeploymentoftheseshutters;however,itcanbedone addition, plywoodshuttersarerelativelyheavy.Youwillneedtwopeoplewhocanlift30-40 The disadvantagesofplywoodarethatitcanrotorwarpifstoredinawetwarmarea.In cut, pre-label,andpre-drilltheplywoodbeforehandsoyouarewellprepared. can quicklyinstalltheshuttersbeforeevacuatingforahurricane.Makesuretopre-measure, pre- inches. Youshouldmakeyourcustomizedsystemwellinadvanceofhurricaneseason,sothat you barriers isahurdle,youcanbuyandprepareplywoodwithrecommendedthicknessofatleast ⅝ material costislessexpensivethananyoftheotheroptionsdiscussedhere.Ifbudgetforprotective at almosteveryhardwarestoreandoffersgoodprotectionifproperlyinstalled.Furthermore, the One ofthemostcommonoptionsforwindowprotectionisregularplywood.Plywoodavailable Plywood Shutters: Figure 4-19.Exampleofengineeredplywood shutter fasteners securingplywood to windowofahome. Figure 4-17.Roll-downshuttersapplied to ahome.Thesecanbedeployed (Source: Floodproofing.com electronically ormanually. (Source: HawaiiSeaGrant ) ) Figure 4-20. NOAA NationalWeatherServicefacility.Twoshuttersare fully deployedandtheremainingarepartiallydeployed. Figure 4-18. supported withtwo2x4sand attachedwithscrews. Plywoodcuttoprotectsliding glassdoors, Rolldownshuttersprotectingwindowsata (Source: Hawaii SeaGrant) (Source: HawaiiSeaGrant) Opening Protection SelectionGuide (https://ibhs.org/wind-driven-rain/hurricane-resources/ To comparedifferenttypes ofopeningprotectionsandchoosewhatis rightforyou,usetheIBHS competent, licensed,and insuredcontractorspecializinginsupplying andinstallingthesesystems. Regardless ofthesystem youchoose,installationiskey.Weencourage youtoconsultwitha Protective BarriersResources: windows anddoorsishighlyrecommended. installing permanentshuttersorimpact-rated If theanswertoanyofthesequestionsisno, notinuse.) visiblestorage“boxes”onahome’sexterior when impacttheappealofmyhome?(Theseoftenhave downoraccordion-styleshutters,negatively • Willthelookofpermanentproducts,suchasroll • DoIhaveasingle-storyhome? shutters(ladders,plywood,screws,etc.)? • DoIhavethetoolsneededtoinstalltemporary myself? • AmIcapableofinstallingtemporaryshuttersby • AmIayear-roundresident? the AppropriateOpeningProtection: Consider TheseQuestionsWhenDetermining depart Look fortheseratingsorlabels,andifyouhavequestions,contactyourlocalbuildingcode ASTM E1886andE1996 windloadtesting. ofanine-pound2x4lumberboardfiredattheshutter30+milesperhourfollowedbycyclic commonlyknownasthe“LargeMissileImpactTest,”meaningthatithaswithstoodimpact tested”aloneisnotadequate.Themostcommonimpactratingforopeningprotection build • Chooseproductswiththeproperapprovalratingforimpactresistancebasedonyourlocal Ratings andLabelsareCritical: (https://flash.org/protect.php#3 Please refertothisinstallationresourcefromtheFederalAllianceForSafeHomes ing coderequirementsorFORTIFIEDHome™recommendations.Thelabel“hurricane ment. |AAMA506 ). winds anddebrisfromhurricanestornadoes. Figure 4-21. a window,whichaddsprotectionfromstrong (Source: HawaiiSeaGrant) Impact-resistantglassinstalledin ).

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 64 information, visittheInternational WindowFilmAssociation(IWFA) ( films toexistingwindows considerdoingsomeresearchonimpacttesting standards.Formore similar –claimsthathave notbeensubstantiatedbytesting.Beforeapplying anyofthesewindow commonly knownassecuritywindowfilm.Such productsareoftentoutedas“hurricanefilm”or Window filmisanaftermarketproductusedto enhanceglassbreakagecharacteristicsandis 4.4.2 licensed andinsuredprofessional. resistant versionshouldbedonebyaqualified, of agarageorentrydoorwithstronger As withimpact-resistantwindows,anyreplacement covered byatestedshuttersystemorplywood. Non-impact-rated double-entrydoorsshouldalsobe enough thatitgoesintothe2x4framingofdoor. entry doorsshouldhavethreehingesandaboltlong three hingesattachingthedoortoframe.Single- least 1-inchthrowlengthbetweeneachdoor,and threshold oftheinactivedoor,adeadboltwithat have slideboltsatthetopheaderandbottom Double-entry doors,suchasFrenchshould for theoriginaldoor. version isascost-effectiveinstallingprotection replacing anon-rateddoorwithnewer,sturdier or beprotectedbyatestedshuttersystem.Often, ratings aswell.Ifagaragedoordoeshavewindows,itisimportantthatthebeimpactrated come withmorebracketstofastenthedooritsframe.Garagedoorsareavailableimpact very The FORTIFIEDprogramrequiresthatgaragedoorswithoutglazingorwindowsshould,atthe kits. Formanygaragedoors,verticalbracingisapopularandreasonablypricedoption. replacement withastrongerdoor,horizontalbracing,verticalorothertypesofbracing forces towhichitissubject.Itsfailurecancauseextensivedamage.Garagedooroptionsinclude The garagedoorisoftenasignificantweaknessduringhurricaneduetoitslargeareaandthe types ofdoorsofferproductsthatmeetwindandimpactresistancerequirements. protection arethedoors—bothgaragedoorandentrydoors.Mostmajorsuppliersof One ofthemostimportantyetfrequentlyoverlookedopeningsinahomethatalsorequires 4.4.1 least, bepressureratedforthelocationofyourhome.Thesestrongerdoorassembliesshould GarageandEntryDoors OpeningProtectiontoAvoid impact- fasteners thatarebuiltintotheconcretefloor. door runfromthetopandareconnectedto Figure 4-22. This strengthensthegaragedoorduring storms withhighwindevents. (Source: HawaiiSeaGrant) https://iwfa.com/ Verticalbracesonthegarage ). engineer specify whichareappropriate foreachlocationin orderforthemtowork properly. wide variety ofclips,tiesandanchors availableforallthese connections,anditis criticalthatan story withstraps.Thewalls aretiedtothefoundationwithplateties andanchors.Therearea the wall,typicallywith hurricaneclipsandplateties.Thewallofahigher storyistiedtoalower outline howahomeshould bebuiltbasedonitslocationandthematerials used.Theroofistiedto construction, withthewalls, floors,ceilingsandroofstructuremade ofwood.Buildingcodes Most homesarebuiltusingwoodframe home’s location. the specificwindspeedsandloadsof connections andloadpathsareappropriatefor be involvedinthedesigntoassurethat these systems,anengineershouldalways but whenbuildinganewhomeusinganyof of thesehasadvantagesanddisadvantages, retaining thestrengthofastructure.Each reduce theamountofmaterialsusedwhile techniques toincreaseenergyefficiencyand lot. Therearealsonew“advancedframing” site, shipped,andthenassembledonthe the individualcomponentsarebuiltoff- Panels (SIPs)andevenmodularhomeswhere concrete forms(ICF),StructuralInsulated emerged andarebeingused,suchasinsulated New technologiesandmethodshavealso such aswood,concrete,andsteelframing. can bedonewithmanytypesofmaterials, Framing andcreatingthestructureofahome retrofitted toaddloadpathcomponents. path connections;olderhomesmayneedtobe new homesaredesignedwithcontinuousload protect againsthurricanewinds.Forexample, stronger connectionsarenowrequiredto response torecenthurricanedamages,much it isonlyasstrongtheweakestlink.In “Load Path,”thatisanalogoustoachain— the rooftofoundation,oftencalleda All homeshaveacontinuousconnectionfrom 4.5.1 4.5 ContinuousLoadPath,DesignPressure,andChimneyAnchoring ContinuousLoadPathConnections Figure 4-23. (Source: SimpsonStrongTieCompany) ContinuousLoadPathConnections. 65

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 66 a licensedcontractor. your home.Youcanthendetermineifyou dotheretrofittingyourselforifyouwillneedtohire with alicensedprofessionalorstructuralengineerarchitecttodeterminewhatisfeasible for Hurricane clipshelptokeepyourrooffromblowingoffduringahurricaneorhighwinds.Check it willbeeasierandlessexpensivetoputinhurricaneclipsthanaddthefoundationconnections. For olderhouses,itispossibletoaddloadpathconnections.Eachhomedifferent,butin general, hurricane clipisrequiredforeachtrussorrafter. should beusedonyourhomedependsthedesignandloadofhome.Aproperlyselected tie) wascreatedtoimprovethisconnection.Thereareseveraltypesofhurricaneclips;whichone The The weakestfor manyhurricane connection. link homes isthe roof-to-wall clip (aka hurricane Figure 4-24. (Source: HawaiiSeaGrant) Hurricanecliponanewbuild. Figure 4-25. (Source: HawaiiSeaGrant) Hurricane cliponaretrofit. Figure 4-26. (Source: SimpsonStrongTieCompany) ExamplesofHurricaneClips. 67

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 68 corrosion (withlittleor nomaintenance)toremainviablefortheentire lifespanofthebuilding. building aboveitandall theloadsthatareexertedonit.Itmustresist weathering,decay,and A building’sfoundation isarguablyitsmostimportantstructuralelement. Itmustsupportthe 4.6 Foundation designing andbuildinganewhome. for thechimney.Thisisverydifficulttoachieve inanexistinghomebutcaneasilybedonewhen opening designpressure,heorsheshouldalso specifytheframingandhurricanetieconnections severe windevents.Itisimportantthatwhen an engineerdesignstheloadpathandspecifies Chimneys thathavewoodframingaroundthechimneyfluecanalsobeparticularlyvulnerable to 4.5.3 should considerbothdesignpressureratingandimpactrating. windows anddoorswillkeepwindwateroutofyourhomeinasevereweatherevent,you penetrating theopeningbutdoesnotprotectwindowfromwindpressure.Toensure your Design pressureisdifferentfromimpactrating.Impact-rateddoorsandwindowskeepdebris from www.energy.gov/energysaver/blower-door-tests More informationonblowerdoortestscanbefoundtheDepartmentofEnergywebsite( Blower doortestsareusedbyenergyauditorstodetermineahome’sairtightnessofexterior doors. pressure ratingsforthelocationofyourhome. if youarereplacingopeningsorbuildinganewhome,shouldpurchasethosewithdesign is nearlyimpossibletotellthedesignpressureofopeningsinexistingorolderhomes.However, When purchasingdoorsandwindows,mostwillcomewithlabelsshowingthedesignpressure.It center ofwalls. windows ordoorsnearthecornersofahomeexperiencemorepressurethanthosecloserto is importanttonotethatbecauseofthewaywindflowsaroundandactsonahome’ssurface, and aimtokeepthesecomponentsfrombreakingorfailingundernormalcircumstances.It components likeglass,sashorframeofthewindow.DPratingsaresetbylocalbuildingcodes rating (DPrating).Thistakesintoaccounttheentirewindowordoorassembly,notjust also designedtowithstandspecificamountsofpressureandareratedusingaDesignPressure are nottheonlyaspectsofahomewherepressuremustbeconsidered.Windowsanddoors other pressureswillaffectthematerialsandpartsofhome.Thewalls,foundationroof When anengineerdesignsaloadpath,heorshetakesintoaccountthewaysthatwindand 4.5.2 Chimneys WindowandDoorDesignPressure ). https:// check thebuildingstandards inyourareaandcontactinsurer. premiums mayincrease withanystructurebelowthebasefloorelevation (BFE).Pleasedouble breakaway wallsmaydecrease yourfloodinsurancepremiumcosts, except inanXZone,which the riskoffloodingorstormsurgeistoogreat. Ifyouliveinaspecialhazardfloodarea,using permanent fixturesorroomsonthegroundlevel inareaswherehomesmustbeelevatedbecause elevated homeintact.Manyareashavebuilding codesandfloodordinancesthatdonotallow When flooded,thesebreakawayelementsare designed tocomeoffthestructure,leavingmain, them suchasstaircasesorstorageareasand“flow-through” ventilationbuiltintothefoundations. In FEMA’sSpecialFloodHazardArea,elevated homesmayhave“breakaway”componentsbeneath deeper thecolumnsorpiles,moresecure homewillbe. which arepouredordrivenintothegroundbasedonbuildingcoderequirements.Generally, the wood-frame foundationthatissecuredatopconcretecolumnsorwoodenpiles(oftencalled stilts), because itallowsthehometositabovebasefloodelevation.Thesehousestypicallyhave a The primaryopenfoundationpracticeincoastalhigh-riskflood-proneareasisanelevated home contractor, engineer,orinspector. which theyareexposed.Eachfoundationtypehasvariationsthatyoucantalkaboutwithyour recommended thathomeownersconsiderthemdependingontheirlocationandthehazards to and crawlspaces.ClosedFoundationsarebecomingpopularchoicesformanyreasons,it is The mostcommonclosedfoundationtypesaretypicalfootingandstemwalls,slabs,basements, with extremetemperatureranges,precipitation,orotherclimaticconditions. beam) versusonethatisnotsusceptibletoflooding(e.g.,concreteslab).Thesameapplies areas home willneed.Ainahigh-riskfloodzonehavedifferentfoundation(e.g.,pier and • Climateandrisks: foundations cannotbeusedinareaswherethegroundremainstoosaturated. to drainwateraway.Othertypesoffoundationsmayliftahomeofftheground.However,some hill. Inotherinstances,thismeansusinggravelorgradingslopingtheareaaroundahome should bebuiltinanareawithgooddrainage.Insomecases,thiscansimplymeanontopofa • Groundwater:Overexposuretogroundwatercanweakenahome’sfoundation.Foundations and homefailureorcollapse. that load-bearingcapacitycanresultinsomeveryunfortunateresults,likecompletefoundation • Theloadcapacity: The foundationahomeneeds,orhas,dependsonseveralfactors: new construction. location, soitisimportanttoinvolveaprofessionalorstructuralengineerinfoundationdesignfor There aremanyfactorsinvolvedindeterminingtheloadsonafoundationandbesttypeforyour Somefoundationsaremeanttoholdacertainamountofweight.Exceeding Differentclimatezonesandlocalrisksdeterminethetypeoffoundationa 69

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 70 You cangototheFEMAFloodSmartwebsite( maintenance stafforprofessionallicensedcontractors. that affectthestructureofyourbuildingortheirutilitysystems,shouldbecarriedoutbyqualified maintaining thebuildingtoinstallingprotectivedevices.Mostoftheseactions,especiallythose Protecting yourpropertyfromfloodingcaninvolveavarietyofactions,inspectingand 4.7 FloodPrevention damage claimscomefromoutsidehigh-riskfloodzones. in adesignatedfloodzone,youmaybeatriskfromflooding,asFEMAestimatesthat25%of address todetermineaverygeneralestimateofthefloodriskforyourproperty.Evenifyouarenot Zone D Undetermined RiskofFlooding Zone X(unshaded)orC Low RiskofFlooding They are Zone X(shaded)orB Moderate RiskofFlooding high velocitywaveaction.TheyarelabeledontheFIRMasVandVE. of Zone V AH, A99,andAR. 100-year floodzone,andtheBaseFloodZone.TheyarelabeledonFIRMasA,AE,AO, witha 1%chanceflooding every year ofbeingflooded.Theseasthe AZonesare known also Zone A High RiskofFlooding being flooded. Thesezonesarehighriskfloodalongthecoastthatsubjectto : ThesezonesarealsointheSpecialFloodHazardArea,witha1%chanceeveryyear : ThesezonesareintheSpecialFloodHazardArea(SFHA).Theyhighlyproneto : Thiszoneincludesareaswheretheriskofflooding hasnotbeendetermined. also knownasthe500-yearfloodzones. : These zoneshavea0.2%chanceeveryyearofbeingflooded. : These arezonesofminimalfloodhazard. https://www.floodsmart.gov/ ) andtypeinyourstreet elevation. good ideatocheckwithlocalbuildingcodesseeifthereisaheightrestrictionorlimitforhome feet), sobuildingorretrofittingtoanelevationabovetheBFEisrecommended.Additionally,ita is belowtheBFE.PremiumsdecreaseforeveryfootthatahomebuiltaboveBFE(upto4 BFE (knownas“freeboard”).Floodinsurancepremiumsaresignificantlyhigherwhenahome related totheBFE,butlocalgovernmentscanalsorequireelevatingonefeetormoreabove meet anyminimumelevationrequirements.Theserequirementsareusually mitigation, yourlocalfloodplainmanagercanprovideguidanceonwhetherhomeneedsto through localcodesandordinances.Basedontheageofyourbuildingcost your community.Minimumelevationrequirementscandifferbycommunityandarereflected techniques isthebasefloodelevation(BFE)shownonFloodInsuranceRateMap(FIRM)for The mostimportantinformationtoknowaboutyourhomewhenconsideringfloodprevention Figure 4-27. BuildingElevationInsuranceExample. (Source: FEMA) 71

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 72 retrofitting FEMA P-312,Homeowner’sGuidetoRetrofitting(https://www.fema.gov/homeowners-guide- against flooding.Priortoconsideringanymitigationmeasures,homeownersshouldalsoreview documents/165910) providesinformationonlow-costwaysyoucanhelpprotectyourhome FEMA’s ProtectYourHomefromFlooding( There aretwomaintypesoffloodproofingsystems-wetfloodproofinganddryfloodproofing. equipment, aswellinteriorcontents. damage fromstormsurgeorrisingfloodwaterstoprotectcriticalelectricalandmechanical protection. Floodproofingahomerequirestakingthenecessaryprecautionstominimizewater flooding. Otheroptionscanbelessexpensive,butitshouldnotedthattheymayprovide Elevating ahomeabovetheminimumelevationrequirementprovidesbestprotectionfrom perimeterwallsandthroughout thewetfloodproofedareas. • Installfloodventsand/or floodopeningsinwalls: tobreakawayunderfloodloads. • Repurposeallfloorsbelowtheminimumelevation Methods forwetfloodproofingincludethefollowing: • Relocatehigh-valuecontentsstoredbelowthe DesignFloodElevation. • Protectserviceequipmentinsideandoutside thehome. level. • Reducedamagecausedbycontactwithfloodwaterstoareasofthehomethatarebelow flood home. • Ensurethatfloodwatersinsidethehomeriseandfallatsamerateasoutside the pumps). Plan(NFIP)compliance,floodwatersmustexittheenclosedareaautomatically,without useof • Ensurethatfloodwatersenterandexitthehome’senclosedarea(forNationalFloodInsurance Successful wetfloodproofingaimsto: areas orreducingthepressureoffloodwatersfromwalls. floodproofing entailseitherremovingcriticalcomponentsofthehomefrompotentiallyflooded with theunderstandingthatportionofbuildingbelowaspecificelevationwillflood. Wet home thatareinthefloodplaintoallowwaterpassthrough.Wetfloodproofingisdesigned The firstmethodtopreventsignificantflooddamageisdesignandconstructareasofthe 4.7.1 can beused forstorage,access or parking.The walls must also be designed withfloodopenings or WetFloodproofing ), whichaddressesseveraltechniques. https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/ Thiswillallowwaterto passthrough : Floorslocatedbelowtheminimumelevation

documents/165910) toseelow-costwaysyoucanhelpprotectyourhomeagainstflooding. Look atFEMA’sProtectYourHomefromFlooding( bereplaced. • Usefloodresistantmaterials: elevatedabovetheBFE,tanksmustbesecuredorproperlytieddown. • Elevate,secureortiedownfueltanks: • Providebackwatervalvesforwaterandsanitarysystems. costs. functionduringaflood,preventdirectcontactwithfloodwaterandminimizedamagerepair mechanical,airhandling,electricalandplumbingabovetheminimumelevationtoensuretheir • Elevatecriticalsystems: Figure 4-28. It isimportanttoelevateinteriorandexteriorcriticalsystemslike Exampleofanengineeredfloodventinthecrawlspace of ahome. Tiled floorscanbeeasilycleanedafterafloodwhereascarpetmust (Source: SmartVentProducts,Inc.) Iftanks,includingfueloilorwatercannotbe https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 74 • Ensuringwellsareproperlyconstructedtoavoidcontaminationfromfloodwaters. cellinsulation). concrete,ceramictile,pressure-treatedlumber,steel,metal, brick,epoxypaint,foam,andclosed • Buildingwithmaterialsthatcanwithstand floodwaters foratleast72hours areapowerhasbeenlost. • Installingasumppumpandfoundationdrain system • Anchoringfueltanksandotherstorage • RaisingHVACandelectricalsystemcomponents • Installingbackflowvalves • Anchoringthebuilding installthemquickly. • Constructingwatertightshields • Applyingawaterproofcoatingormembrane flood-bornedebris. • Strengtheningwalls Some ofthemeasuresnecessarytodryfloodproofahomeare: code. need toconsultwithyourlocalbuildingdepartmentfordryfloodproofingmeasuresthatare upto inspection duringconstructionshouldbedonebyaprofessionalstructuralengineer.Youmay also of thebuildingorevencollapsewalls.Thedesignadryfloodproofed and Success withdryfloodproofingcanbedifficult,andfailuretodoitproperlyresultinflooding live inbeforeyouchooseafloodproofingmethod. equipped towithstandgreateramountsofflooddamage.Makesurecheckwhatzoneyou on guidelinessetbyFEMA.Thisistoensurehouseslocatedinzoneswithhigherfloodriskare note thathousesbuiltinSpecialFloodHazardAreashaverestrictionsondryfloodproofingbased available forelevatingbuildingutilitiesbasedonwhatfloodzoneyoulivein.Itisimportantto premium ratediscountsfordryfloodproofingunderthecurrentNFIP,howeverthereare than wetfloodproofingandisagreatalternativeforsmallermitigationbudget.Thereareno floodproofing,” encompassesavarietyofmeasures.Dryfloodproofingismoreaffordableoption so thatfloodwaterscannotenter,makingitwatertight.Thismethod,referredtoas“dry Another waytoprotectastructureanditscontentsfromflooddamageissealthebuilding 4.7.2 DryFloodproofing sothattheycanwithstandthepressuresoffloodwatersandimpacts asnecessarysothatitcanresistflotation. insanitaryandstormsewerlines. tocoverdoors,windows,andotheropeningstheability totheexteriorwallsofbuilding. topreventflotation. abovethefloodlevel. thatcanrunforextendedperiodswhen (examples: responsible. actions thatmustbetaken andliststhepersonswhoare an operationsandmaintenance planthatdescribesallthe as placingshieldsover doors andwindows,youshouldhave require humanintervention beforefloodwatersarrive,such to buckleorcollapse.Ifyourdryfloodproofing measures feet. Thepressuresexertedbydeeper The heightofyourdryfloodproofingshould not exceedthree based onthefloodzoneyoulivein. make suredryfloodproofingisagood • Checkwithcommunitybuildingcodesandregulations manager orbuildingofficialformoreinformation. newly constructedbuilding.Checkwithyourlocalfloodplain National FloodInsuranceProgram[NFIP]regulations)ora or • Youcannotdryfloodproofa“substantiallydamaged” stronger thanotherconventionalconstructionmaterials. masonry walls.Concreteandareeasiertoseal,moreresistantflooddamage, • Dryfloodproofing Keep thesepointsinmindwhenyoudryfloodproof: “substantially improved”building(asdefinedbythe Figure 4-29. isappropriateprimarilyforslab-on-gradebuildingswithconcreteorsolid Exampleofanengineeredfloodpanelonthegarageahome. water cancausewalls option foryourhome (Source: Floodproofing.com) to Materials Requirements”by FEMA. building materialsforyourhome Figure 4-30. in the“FloodDamage-Resistant Resistant MaterialsRequirements”) (Source: FEMA’s“FloodDamage- Findfloodresistant

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 76 This accountsforsealevelriseandvaryingstormsurgesbasedontideswaveheights. rise higherthantheBFE;therefore,itisalwaysagoodinvestmenttosafelybuildabove BFE. destroy buildingswithinsufficientfoundations.Majorstormsandflashfloodscancause watersto of flooding,butinareassubjecttocoastalstormsurge,waveactionandhigh-velocitywater can in V-Zones.Inanyfloodplain,elevationisthesinglemostimportantfactorreducing risk assets/documents/3490 FEMA’s publicationFree-of-ObstructionRequirements( minimum elevationmaysubstantiallyincreasefloodinsurancepremiumrates. A-Zones, abreakawaywallcertificationlettermayberequired,andanystructurebelowthe free ofobstructions,andanyenclosuremustbemadebreakawaywalls.InV-ZonesCoastal applicable, additionalelevationrequirementsapply.Theareabelowthebasefloodlevelmustbe for parking,storage,oraccess.InFEMAdesignatedV-Zones,andwhereCoastalA-Zonesare locally requiredminimumelevation.Anyareabelowtheelevationcanonlybeused The lowestfloorelevationofaneworsubstantiallyimprovedstructuremustbeatabovethe prevention ordinance. or architecttoensurethatallelevationrequirementsaremetperthecommunity’sflooddamage The elevation certificate needs to be completed by a registered professional land surveyor, engineer, floodplain. Thecertificatedemonstratesastructure’scompliancewithlocalfloodplainordinances. (where repairsare50%ormoreofthestructure’smarketvalue)toexistingstructureswithin Elevation Certificatesarerequiredfornewconstructionandsubstantialimprovements 4.7.3 ElevatingExistingStructures Figure 4-31. Abeachhouseelevated(left) nexttoabeachhouseontheground(right). ) providesmoreinformationonbuildingandprotectinghomeslocated (Source: TexasSeaGrant) https://www.fema.gov/media-library/ https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3972 Foundations(FEMAP-550,secondedition) • RecommendedResidentialConstructionforCoastalAreas:BuildingonStrongandSafe https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/6131 • HomeBuilder’sGuidetoCoastalConstructionfactsheetseries(FEMAP-499) https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3293# • CoastalConstructionManual(FEMAP-55) effectively incoastalareas,including: FEMA hasseveralothertoolsandresourcesdesignedtohelpcitizensbuildsafelycost- requirement. home ontheleftiselevatedwithfreeboard.Therightatminimum reductions indamagescausedbyfloodingaswellfloodinsurancepremiums.The flood elevationsbyasmalladditionalheight(knownas“freeboard”)canleadtosubstantial For thosepropertieslocatedwithinafloodzone,elevatingbuilding’slowestfloorabovepredicted structure. mind, though, thatelevationisstill animportantfactorin acoastalsurgezone,even withanICF thermal propertiesofICF andotherconcretetechnologiesmeanoverall lowerenergycosts.Keepin excellent insulation,making concretestructuresaworthwhileinvestment. Inthelongrun,these insulated concreteforms (ICF)allowsforastructurallysound,wind-resistant housewithexcellent Concrete maybesomewhat moreexpensiveinitiallythanawood-frame home,buttheadventof the highwindsofCategory4and5storms,as well aslowercategorytornados. Ike, andMichael.Alongwithwell-built,wood-frame structures,concretestructurescanwithstand Concrete homesweresomeofthefewleftstanding instormsurgezonesafterHurricanesKatrina, Concrete structures,evenforresidentialunits, arebecomingmuchmorepopularincoastalareas. 4.8 ConcreteStructures Figure 4-32. pictured withoutfreeboard. (Source: FEMA) Houseontheleft Figure 4-33. Houseontherightelevatedwithfreeboard. (Source: FEMA) 77

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 78 small-business https://www.fema.gov/fema-p-320-taking-shelter-storm-building-safe-room-your-home-or- • TakingShelterfromtheStorm(FEMAP-320) https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3140 • DesignandConstructionGuidanceforCommunitySafeRooms(FEMAP-361) https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/ICC5002014 • StandardfortheDesignandConstructionofStormShelters(ICC500) More informationregardingdesignandconstructionofsaferoomscanbefoundin: return byaddingvaluetoyourhomeaswellprotectionandpeaceofmindforfamily. can bewrappedintotheoriginalhomemortgage.Thisagoodinvestment,yieldingsizable The saferoomcanalsodoubleasamastercloset,bathroom,orutilityroom.additionalcost expensive tobuildasaferoomduringtheoriginalconstructionofhomethanaddonelater. and sitedinaccordancewithFEMArequirements.Althoughcostsvarynationwide,itismuchless should onlybeconsideredifthesaferoomisoutsideofallknownfloodandstormsurgezones A saferoomisadesignedtowithstandwindsfromhurricanesandtornadoes.Thisoption 4.8.1 done. home. Generally,youshouldhirealicensedarborist toperformanevaluationofwhatshouldbe If itisnotpossibletoremoveatree,youcanstill cutoffallbranchesthathangovertheroofof prevent thetreefromfallingonroof,either atitscurrentsizeorinthefuture. your houseshouldalwaysbegreaterthanthe height ofthetreewhenitisfullygrown.Thisto a falling20-inchormorediametertree.FEMA recommendsthatthedistancebetweenatreeand impacting yourhomewillcauseconsiderabledamage. Fewroofsarestrongenoughtowithstand enough tofallonyourhomeorneighbors’ homes.Treelimbsorbranchesfallingonto protect yourpropertyduringahurricane.Thereisseriousdangeriflargetreesorlimbsare close Cutting ortrimmingtreesthatoverhangyourhomeisanadditionalmeasureyoucantaketo 4.9 Trees SafeRooms Ifyoudonotremovethem, atleastkeepthemtrimmedbackasmuch asyoucan. highwindcombinedwith rain.Iftreesaretooclosetoyourhomeor power lines,theycouldfall. • Arelargetreestooclosetothehomeorpower lines? broughtbacktogoodhealth. findanarborist homeafterastorm.Consultcertifiedarborist ( removethem.Thiscanbeexpensivetodo,but soisremovingthesametreeoutofyour limbsorbark,holes,andsoftspongywood. Ifyouspottreesthatarediseasedorrotten, Somesignsofdiseasearethelossleaves(other thaninfallorwinter),fungusgrowth,brittle • Arethesetreeshealthy? questions: deciding tobuildorbuy,lookatthelanditisbuiltwillbeconstructedonandaskyourself these or asafedistancefromyourhouse.Nomatterifthisiscurrenthometheoneyouare Choosing therightlandscapingcanbedifferencebetweenatreefallingonyourlivingroom 4.9.1 LandscapingTips ) ifyouneedhelpidentifyingtreestoremove, prune, trim,orthatneedtobe Figure 4-34. Treesafflictedbydiseaseordecayaremuch weakerthanhealthytrees. (Source: FEMA’s“ProtectingYourPropertyfromWind”) RecommendedTreeDistancefromtoHouse. http://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/ Evenstrong,healthytreescanfailagainst

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 80 gobbler oak,swampchestnutwaterwhiteandyellowpoplar. crabapple, dogwood,northernredoak,persimmon,redbud,maple,sawtoothsawtooth- A listoffire-resistantnativeplantsinGeorgiaare: rosemary. rose, loropetalum,viburnums,camelia,magnolia,crocosmia,lantana,aspidistra,lavender,and A listofdrought-resistantnativeplantsinGeorgiaare: Drought andFire-ResistantNativePlantsinGeorgia: resistance. limbs.Lookfortreesthattendtohavesomegiveinthewind.Comparebasedontheir wind hastogrowandspacingfromothertreesshrubs.Thinkaboutwithflexibletrunks and • Sticktoareasonablesize. • Makesurethetreesyouusearenotsusceptibletobreakingunderheavywindorrainloads. thewindfromtopplingyourvegetationevenaftergroundisrainsaturated. • Choosetreesandshrubswithdeepgrowingrootsystems. Some goodgeneralrulesare: natural climateandenvironment,theaestheticyouareaimingtocreateinyourlandscaping. home. Researchwhichtreesandplantsarebestforyourarea,theriskshomewillface, Georgia. Acoastalhomewillhavedifferentnativeplantsandprotectionneedsthananinland it affectsyourhomeandproperty.Nativeplantsareadaptedtoliveincertainareasvaryacross When decidingwhatvegetationtouseinyourlandscape,considertheclimateyouliveandhow consult withyourlocalfloodplainmanagerbeforeconstructinganythingtodivertwater. consider usingswales,bermsorothertechniquestodivertthewater.Ifyouareinafloodplain, • Isthereaplacewhererainwatersettles? are equipped withnewbatteries. sprinkler system and fire extinguisher. Make sure your indoorfire alarms are workingproperly and Consider installingagarden hosethatcanreachalargeportionofyour home,aswellanindoor susceptible tocatching on firefromembersgettingtrappedandburning deadplantsandbrush. as replacingawoodfence withametalfence.Housesopenspaces beneaththemaremore Consider replacingmaterialthatismorelikely toburnwithmateriallesslikelyburn,such landscape aroundyourhomeandknowrisk ofbeingaffectedbyawildfire. and droughtsbecausethereislessmoistureto slowthefirefromburning.Befamiliarwith drought, asdeadplantscanactfuelforfires. Wildfiresaremorelikelytooccurindryseasons is importanttokeepupwithdeadbrusharound yourhome,particularlyinadryseasonor As mentionedinsection4.9.1,fire-resistant plants canaddawildfirebarriertoyouryard.It 4.9.2 ProtectingYourHomeAgainstWildfires Bemindfulofthedistancefromyourhouse,sizeareawhereit Ifthatgatheringplaceisnearorunderyourhome,then catalpa,baldcypress,cherrybarkoak, crepemyrtles,Indianhawthorn,lenten Healthyrootsystemsarewhatkeep energy used. money inthelongrun with theloweramountof cost morethanthosewithout, youwillbesaving Although productswith theEnergyStarlabelcan energy andmoneyoverthelifetimeofproduct. option comparedtothosewithoutthelabeland save Star label.Theseproductsareamoresustainable Environmental ProtectionAgency’s(EPA)Energy household applianceswithproductsthathave the Energy efficiencycanbeimprovedbyupdating 4.10.1 puddles ofwater.Donottrytomakeyourownelectricalrepairs. contact withwater,anddonotremovedebrisorenterareasheavydebris.Avoidstepping in • After: openings andhaveyouremergencykitwithyou. and avoidshoweringorbeinginthewater.Findsafestareatoshelterawayfromwindows and • During:Stayawayfromelectricalappliances,water,andmetalobjectsuntilthestormisover dryers, TVs,stoves,etc. unplug majorappliancessuchasrefrigeratorsandfreezers,microwaves,computers,washers and • Before: storm. Georgia Powergivesthefollowingtipsforpreparingelectricalmaterialsbefore,duringandafter a installed byalicensedelectricianifareasinyourhomedonothavethem. Kitchens, bathrooms,andlaundryroomsarethemostcommonareasGFCI’sfoundcanbe where waterandelectricityareinclosecontactacttoprotectpeoplefromsevereorfatalshock. circuit breakerpanel,orfusebox.Groundfaultinterrupters(GFCI)areutilizedinhouses In thecaseofanemergency,turnpowerofftoyourhousethroughmainbreakerswitch, lines aredownandusingelectricalappliancesthathavebeenaffectedbywater. aware ofyoursurroundingsandavoidareaswhereelectricalshockispossible,suchaspower important forpreventingpersonalinjuriesandfurtherdamagetoyourhome.Makesureyouare Following safetyprecautionsforelectricalissuesafterstorms,disasters,andpoweroutagesare 4.10 ElectricalIssues EnergyEfficiency Donottouchanywireslayingoutintheopen,waterorthathavehad Chargecellphones,gatheryouremergencykit,keepfreezersandrefrigeratorsclosed, (Source: Environmental ProtectionAgency) Figure 4-35. EnergyStarLabel 81

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 82 when necessary. Keep thedoorsclosedas muchaspossibletomaintainthetemperature andonlyopenthedoors The refrigeratorshould bekeptatorbelow40°Fandthefreezershould bekeptatorbelow0°F. to preservefood.Thiscan bedonebyrunningacommonlyusedfour-hour off,one-houroncycle. refrigerator atthecoldest settings.Refrigeratorsmayonlyneedtorun afewhoursdayinorder When runningarefrigeratorwithgenerator, itisgenerallybesttokeepboththefreezerand gauge tocarrythepowerloadwhenhookingup thecordstodifferenthouseholdappliances. outside andawayfromopenwindows.Additionally, makesureextensioncordshaveasufficient that youdonotinstalloneonyourown.Tomaintain goodairventilation,operatethegenerator assistance andguidanceonconnectingthegenerator tothehousepowersupply.Itisimportant To ensurethatthegeneratorisinstalledsafely andproperly,contactalicensedelectricianfor odorless gasthatcanbuildupandcausemajor harmordeathtoyouandyourfamily. Do notrunageneratorinsideyourhouseoringarage.Carbon-monoxideispoisonous, compare theamountoffuelneededtorungenerator. gallons ofgascomparedtosixorsevengallons.Determinetheamountpoweryouwillneed and power needs.Somegeneratorsaremorefuelefficientthanothers,runningoffofoneor two generators supportvaryinglevelsofpower,somakesureyouchooseonethatfitsyourpersonal of the product, along with cost and power needs, reliability, quietness, and fuel efficiency. Different When consideringwhattypeofgeneratortopurchase,itisimportantlookatcustomerreviews needs. requiring constantaccesstopower,aportablegeneratorisgoodinvestmentforemergency health individual instructionsforlong-termstorage.Ifyouoryourlovedoneslivewithfunctional needs insulin orantibiotics.Mostmedicationsareokaywhenstoredatroom-temperature,butfollow which makesaworkingrefrigeratorimportantforthelong-termstorageofmedicationssuch as run properly.Additionally,manymedicationsneedtoberefrigeratedafteracertainperiodof time, needs suchashome-dialysismachines,respiratorsandrespiratoryaidsneedpowerinorder to functional needsrequiringaconstantsourceofpower.Medicalequipmentutilizedforhealth Generators areanimportantitemtohave,particularlyifyouoryourlovedonesexperience 4.10.2 efficient withitsenergyuseandutilizeswhenneededinsteadofcontinuously. a fuel-efficientgenerator.BecausetherefrigeratoriscertifiedEnergyStarproduct,itmore Energy Starlabelcankeepfoodcoldforuptotwodaysononegallonofgaswhenpairedwith more than13hourswiththesamelightoutput.AnotherexampleisarefrigeratorEPA two hours.Thatsameemergencystationcanrunamodernenergyefficient15-wattLEDbulbfor lamp runningoffanemergencypowerstation(essentiallybuiltaroundacarbattery)mayrunfor options becausetheywillbeabletorunlongerwithlessenergy.Forexample,aregular100-watt that areenergyefficientwillbemoreusefulinanemergencywhenpairedwithalternativepower Disasters oftencausepoweroutages,whichimpactmanyappliancesthroughoutahome.Products Generators okaytodrink. Wildfiresandtheir debris canimpactand contaminate groundwater. • Duringandafterawildfire, donotdrinkwaterfromyourfaucetsuntil localauthoritiesproveitis extremecold,insulate yourplumbingpipestopreventcracksandpipe bursts. andlocateyourwatershut-off valvesincaseofapipeburst.Toprepare forwinterstormsand • Duringwinterstormsandextremecold,prevent pipesfromfreezingbyrunningadrippingfaucet existingfaucetsbyinstallingaeratorsthatprovide waterflowrestrictions. necessary.Installenergyandwaterefficient applianceswhenupgrading.Considerretrofitting • Toprepareforadrought,checkplumbingthroughout yourhomeforleaksandrepairwhen plumbingtopreventbackups,considerhurricane shutters,andreviewinsurancepolicies. • Toprepareyourpropertyagainsthurricanes, declutterdrainsandgutters,installcheckvalvesin cantravelthroughplumbingandphonelines. • Duringthunderstormsandlightening,avoidrunningwaterorusinglandlinephones.Electricity hazard: The followingareplumbingissuesyoushouldconsideraddressing natural hazards. Ready.gov codes2020.htm information onresidentialplumbingcodesandguidelines( based onlocation.SeetheGeorgiaStateAmendmentstoInternationalPlumbingCodefor more Georgia hasminimumstaterequirementsforallresidentialbuildingstofollow,whichmayvary problems worse. become rusted,wornout,oriftheyexperienceleaking.Excesswaterandfloodswillmakethese household plumbing,itisimportanttoreplaceoldplumbingpipesinyourhomewhenthey have due toanexcessamountofwaterinsewersandsystems.Becausefloodwaterscanimpact During heavyraineventsandseverestorms,Georgiaresidentscanexperienceplumbingproblems 4.10 PlumbingIssues emergency suppliesandprovidelimitedpower. These unitscancomeinhandyduringapoweroutagesincetheybeincludedyourstockof compressor, batteryjumpstarter,ACoutletandDCbuiltaroundamodifiedcarbattery. Power stationsarefoundinmanyhardwarestoresandmayhavearadio,flashlight,air 4.10.3 PowerStations , fromtheDepartmentofHomelandSecurity,providesinformationrelatedtodifferent ). https://www.columbusga.gov/InsCode/ before andduringanatural 83

Protect and Strengthen Your Property 84 • Waterplantsonlyasneeded • Planttherightplants with properlandscapedesignandirrigation • Replaceyouroldclotheswasher • Replaceyouroldtoilet • Turnthewateroffwhennotneeded • Replaceshowerheads • Takeshowers • Stopleaks The manualincludesthefollowingtips: descriptions ofthehouseholdplumbingsystem. manual isagreatresourceforhomeowners,asitalsoincludestechnicalinformationanddetailed Reference Manual Water conservationandmoneysavingtipsfromtheEPAcanbefoundinCDC’s purchasing appliancesthataremorewaterandenergyefficientcanbepracticedyear-round. droughts arewhenwaterconservationeffortsthemostwidespread,managinguse and Practicing waterconservationcanbebeneficialforsavingmoneyandenergyovertime.Although privatewells/what-do-your-private-well-after-flood for moreinformationondisinfectingdrinkingwellsthathavebeenflooded( systems-what-do-after-flood – WhattodoaftertheFlood For moreinformationonfloodingandsepticsystems,seetheEPA’sbrochure withalistofseptictankprofessionalsinyourarea. • Contactyourlocalhealthdepartmentforadditionalconcernsandquestions.Theycanprovide you disinfecttheareaassoonpossiblewithachlorineandbleachsolution. • Checkyourbasementforanysignsofsewageflooding.Ifyouhaveflooding,cleanand\ thegroundhasdriedtopreventfurtherclogging. mudanddirttoclogthetankcauseadditionalproblems.Youcanpumpsepticwhen • Donottrytopumpyourseptictankwhilethegroundisstillwetand/orflooded.Thiscancause inspectionanddonotthesewagesystemuntilithasbeenchecked. • Ifyouthinkyourseptictankhasbeendamaged,contactaplumbingprofessionalforan • Onlydrinkwellwaterafterithasbeentested. septic tankaresafetouse. the EPA,therearetipsyoucanfollowonwhattodoafterafloodensureyourdrinkingwaterand Floods cancausemajordamagetohomesthatutilizeseptictanksordrinkingwells.According (https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/books/housing/cha09.htm).This (https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/septic- ). Additionally,seetheEPA’sbrochureWhattodoafterFlood ). https://www.epa.gov/ SepticSystems Healthy Housing event, andhowtorebuildproperly. chapter willdiscussthetypesofinsuranceavailabletohomeowners,whatdoafteradamaging protect themselvesfrompotentiallossanddamagetothestructuralintegrityoftheirhome.This disasters. Evenfamilieswhostrengthentheirproperties(seePart4),shoulduseinsuranceto Insurance isanimportantwaytoprotectyourfamilyandpropertyfromtheimpactsofnatural Financial Protection PART FIVE: Step 5: Step 4: Step 3: Step 2: Step 1:Knowyourrisksandcostsofassets. purchasing insurance. the rightcompanyandcoverageadauntingtask. Herearethestepstokeepinmindwith There aremanycarriersthatprovideinsurance andmarketsoftenchange,whichmakesfinding excluded specificallyinthepolicywording. or perilsthatcoulddamageyourhome,itscontents,andpersonalpropertyunlesstherisks are covered. Whereas,an“all-risk”insurancepolicyoffersyoucoverageandprotectionfromall risks the “namedperils”approach.Ifdamageiscausedbyaperilnotspecificallynamed,itwill not be When apolicyspecificallylistsornamestheperilsthatitinsuresagainst,issaidtobeusing be boughtinseparatepoliciesfordamagefromfloods,termites,pests,earthquakes,hurricanes. burglary, buttherecanbeexceptions,andyoumayneedtoknowwhatiscovered.Coverage can properties. Homeownersinsurancewillcoverdamagescausedbymanyevents,includingfire and injuries andpropertydamageyouormembersofyourfamilycausetootherpeopletheir Homeowners insurancecoversbothdamagetoyourpropertyaswellliabilityforany and PartIIisforliability.liabilitycoveragealwaysthesamehomeowner’spolicies. medical payments.TherearetwomajorsectionsoftheHOpolicy:PartIisforpropertycoverage, and otherstructures,italsoincludescoverageforadditionallivingexpenses,personalproperty and into asinglepolicyforconvenienceandeconomicvalue.Besidescoveringtheprincipaldwelling A HomeownersPolicy(HO)isapackagepolicythatbundlesbothpropertyandliabilityinsurance 5.1 UnderstandingandObtainingGoodHomeownersInsurance Requestquotesandcomplete applications. Selectagentsandinsurancecompanies. Purchasethepolicy. Comparequotes. 85

Financial Protection 86 Ordinance andLaw that canlimitcoverage,butthisgeneralization largelyholdstrue. property withNOdeductionfordepreciation.Importantly, thereareotherclausesinRCVpolicies Replacement CostValue(RCV) entire costtorepairorreplaceyourhouse. of thepropertyissubtractedfromlosspayment. Thepolicydoesnotprovidepaymentforthe like kindandqualityminusthevalueofitsphysical depreciation.Essentially,the“usedup”value Actual CashValue(ACV) endorsement). Insurance coverspropertyonly,notliability(althoughsomeprotectionisavailableby The basicdifferencebetweenDwellingInsuranceandHomeownersisthat Dwelling versusHomeownersInsurance Important termstobefamiliarwithwhileshoppingforinsuranceincludethefollowing: towards olderhomeswithoutspecificrequiredupdates. HO-8, theModifiedCoverageForm,givesmorelimitedcoveragethanHO-3andisdirected HO-6 istheCondominiumFormforcondominiumowners. HO-5 providesthebestcoverageandisconsideredhigh-endform. renters. HO-4, theContentsBroadForm,istenants’formandaspecial,contents-onlypolicyfor HO-3, theSpecialForm,ismostcommonandprovidesbroadaffordablecoverageoptions. HO-2 isalsoknownastheBroador“cheap”formandprovideslimitedcoverage. Here aretheformscurrentlyinuse: usually mirrorISOstandardformstoalargeextent. property ofdifferenttypes.Somecompaniesmayhavetheirownproprietaryforms;however,they “HO” followedbyanumber.EachoftheseISOformscoverspropertyindifferentwayor Most homeownerpoliciesarewrittenonInsuranceServicesOffices(ISO)formsandexpressedas the increasedcostofconstruction duetolocalbuildingstandardsand codes guideline: Purchaseenoughcoveragetorebuildyourhome. When purchasingcoverageforthestructureofyourhome,rememberthissimple INSURANCE TIP:

is anendorsementtothe policywhichwillpayextramoneyonyourclaim for isthecosttoreplacedamagedordestroyedproperty withnewpropertyof meansthattheinsurancepolicypaystorepair orreplacedamaged

your assets.Coveragestypicallyrangefrom$100,000to$500,000. court costsincurredanddamagesawarded.Youshouldhaveenoughliabilityinsurancetoprotect or propertydamagethatyou,yourfamilymembers,petscausetootherpeople,aswell as The liability the amountofloss,notcoverage. dollar differences.Consultyourinsuranceagenttolearnmore.Thedeductibleissubtracted from dwelling coverageandapplicablepercentage.Smallchangesinpercentagescantranslateinto large of coverageonthehouse.Whenapplied,theyaretranslatedintoadollaramountbased (subject toacompany-specificminimum).Percentagedeductiblesarepercentageoftheamount they applytoeverypropertyloss.Dollardeductiblesareaspecifiedamountthatyouchoose Deductibles living expensesandsomedonot. additional livingexpense.Itisimportanttonotethatsomeinsurancepoliciescover in revenue,suchaslostincomefromrentingoutasectionofyourhome,isalsoincludedan in yourhousewhileitisbeingrepaired.Adecrease This isnecessarysinceyoumaynotbeabletolive suffering majordamageduetoacoveredhazard. for temporarylivinginthecaseofyourhouse policy. Theyareexpensessuchasrentandutilities feature ofastandardhomeownersinsurance Additional LivingExpenses(ALE) 6. Howmuch is mydeductibleindollars? Howaboutmywind deductible? 5. 4. 3. 2. (garage,workshop,etc.)? 1. Howmuchcoveragedidyouquoteonmyhouse, anddoesthisincludedetachedstructures coverage youneedandcanafford: When shoppingaround,askyouragenttheseten questionstobesureyougettheinsurance right coverage. beyond yourcurrentagentorinsurancecompany, youcouldbepayingtoomuchornotgettingthe it hasbeenmorethanafewyearssinceyoushoppedforinsurance,orifhavenever insurance changesfrequentlyasnewcompaniesenterandexistingchangecoverage. If you savemoneyandfindtherightcoverageforyourcurrentneeds.Themarkethomeowner’s Although thetaskofgettingrightinsuranceseemsdaunting,shoppingforcan help 5.1.1 ShoppingforYourInsurance Aremycontentsinsured forreplacementcostoractualcashvalue(ACV)? DoIhavesewerandwater coverage? Ismyhouseinsuredfor replacementcostorACV? How muchcoverageisprovidedformypersonal property(mystuff)? aretheamountofmoneyyourequiredtopaybeforeinsurancewillstepin,and portionofhomeownersinsuranceprovidescoverageagainstlawsuitsforbodilyinjury

are animportant possible. RCV isrecommendedwhenever INSURANCE TIP: 87

Financial Protection 88 (as somebanks require),itmaynot adequatelycoverthecost ofrebuilding. different thanthecost torebuild.Ifthelimitofyourinsurancepolicy isbasedonyourmortgage can beinhighdemand. Thepriceyoupaidforyourhome—orthecurrent marketprice—maybe important tokeepinmind, asifthereisanaturalhazardthenumber ofcontractorsandsupplies removal, mustbeconsidered whenselectingthepropercoverageamount. Alsosurgedemandis as thereareforbuilderswhencreatinganewsubdivision. Additionally,otheritems,suchasdebris economies ofscale,orsavingsincostgainedfrom ahigherrateofconstruction,whenrebuilding is importanttogetanaccurateestimateofthe rebuildvalue.Keepinmindthattherewillnotbe current valueormortgageofyourhomecould be higherorlowerthanthecostofrebuilding,soit to behighenoughcoverthecostofrebuilding yourhomefromthegroundup.Insuring will needadditionalcoverageforthosedisasters aswell.Youwillwantthelimitsonyourpolicy lightning, hail,orexplosions.Ifyouliveinareas wherethereisriskoffloodorearthquakesyou Standard homeowners’policiesprovidecoverage fordisasters,suchasdamagesduetofire, 5.1.3 weather risksintensify,morepropertiesinGeorgiamayfallintothisresidualmarket. for $2.6billioninproperty.Asdevelopmentincreaseshazard-proneareasandclimate Association (GUA).Asof2017,Georgiahadalmost20,000FAIRpoliciesinforce,providingcoverage taxpayers andprivateinsurers.InGeorgia,thisplanisofferedthroughtheGeorgiaUnderwriting Requirements (FAIR)Planasanoptionoflastresort,wheretheunderwritingriskisshared across To helpthesehomeownerssecurecoverage,manystatesofferaFairAccesstoInsurance coast. Atthesametime,mortgagelendersrequirehomeinsurancetoprotecttheirinvestment. Bulloch, Effingham,Long,andScreven,inadditiontothe14barrierislandcommunitiesoff the region whichincludesthefollowingcounties:Bryan,Camden,Chatham,Glynn,Liberty,McIntosh, insurance throughthevoluntaryprivatemarket.AhighriskregioninGeorgiaiscoastal Properties inareasconsideredhighrisktonaturalhazardsmayhavedifficultyobtainingproperty 5.1.2 companies togetthebestvalue.Makesureyouaregettingcoverageneed. will needbasedonyourpersonalproperty,andwhatratesareavailablefromdifferentinsurance insurance includewhatyourlandlord’sdoesandnotcover,howmuchcoverageyou this willnotcoveryourpersonalbelongings.Afewthingstoconsiderbeforepurchasingrenters from yourlandlordcanhelppayforhomerepairsintheeventofadisasterordamages,but Obtaining rentersinsurance 10. 9. HowmuchordinanceandlawcoveragedoIhave? 8. 7. DoIhave(ordidyouquote)aseparatewind/hailpolicy? DoIhavecoverageforadditionallivingexpenses? DoIhave(ordidyouquote)afloodpolicy?Whatismyzone? DeterminingHowMuchInsuranceYouNeed UnderstandingtheResidualMarket isimportantifyoudonotownyourhome.Homeownersinsurance to learnmore: oceanfront countiesofBryan, Camden,Chatham,Glynn,Libertyand McIntosh. Visittheirwebsite properties andoffers wind/hail coverageforpropertiesonGeorgia’s barrier islandsandthesix In Georgia,theGeorgia UnderwritersAssociationmanagestheshared marketforresidential insurers inthestate. amounts ofrisk,theyrelyonthebacking government,whichspreadsthecostamongall properties thatdonotqualifyforprivateinsurance. Sincetheyaredesignedtocoversuchhigh “shared markets”arestate-runprogramsthat provideinsurancetohigh-riskindividualsand which havedifferentdeductiblescoveringspecific damagesorlossesfromwindandhail.These Many insurersinGeorgiahaveawindinsurance policythatisseparatefromahomeownerspolicy, 5.2 InsuranceforWindEvents • Makeavisualrecordwithphotos/video. • Takestockofexpensiveitems. • Conductahomeinventoryofyourpossessions. not beenough.Tolearnifyouhaveenoughcoverage: 70% ofthedwellingcoverageyouhaveonyourhouse.However,thatstandardamountmay or may Most homeownersinsurancepoliciesprovidecoverageforyourpersonalbelongingsaround50- depending onthesizeofstructureanditscontents. total costofrebuildingyourhouse.Typicalcoveragerangesfrom10-25%thedwellinglimits attached tothemaindwelling,suchasshedsanddetachedgarages.Dwellinglimitsrefer You willalsoberequiredtoselectcoveragefor“otherstructures,”whicharestructuresnot • Whetherornotyourhomeiscurrentlyuptocode. • Specificstylesandfeaturesofyourhome. buildingcodechanges,etc.). your home(ex:improvements, additions, for that impact the rebuildingcosts • Factors coverage, consider: a goodideatoeducateyourselfaswell.Tomakesureyourhomehastherightamountofstructural While yourinsurerwillprovidearecommendedcoveragelimitforthestructureofhome,itis - Storesafely. - Updateannuallyoraftermajorpurchases. - Havecopiesofreceiptsandanitemizedlistwithdetailsforhigh-valueitems. https://www.georgiaunderwriting.com. renovations, 89

Financial Protection 90 peril underhomeownersprograms: following FORTIFIED(seePart4)designationsareeligibleforthreelevelsofdiscountswind and reducethelossoflivespropertyfromnaturaldisasters.Propertiesthatreceive In 2013,theGUAadoptedamitigationprogramforFAIRpolicies,aimingtoimprovehomesafety with theperilsyourpolicycoversandthoseitdoesnot. to yourhousefromtornadoorhurricanewindsmaynotbecovered.Itisimportantfamiliar you havetocoverbeforeinsurancewillstepin.Ifyourpolicydoesnotwindstorms,damage damage. Basedonyourinsurancepolicy,therewillmostlikelybeaspecificdeductibleamount that solely fromhurricanes,andwindstormorwind/haildeductibles,whichapplytoanykindof wind There aretwokindsofwinddamagedeductibles:hurricanedeductibles,whichapplyto very affordable, astheyqualifyfor thelowestratesthatare offeredbytheNFIP. Ifyouarea federal floodclaimsoccur outsideofhigh-riskareas.Theratesforproperties outsidetheSFHAare have policiesbecauseflooding canoccur.Forexample,FEMAestimates thatnearly1in4ofall 1%change offloodingin agivenyear.Outsidethisarea,insuranceis not required,butmanypeople Hazard Area(SFHA).A SFHA referstolandlocatedin100-yearflood areas, whichhavearounda Maintaining floodinsuranceismandatoryifyou haveamortgageandlivewithinSpecialFlood Flood InsuranceProgram(NFIP)throughaninsurance agentorcompany. insured forlossescausedbyflooddamage.These policiesaretypicallypurchasedfromtheNational considered an“all-risk”policy.Youmustpurchase aseparatefloodpolicyifyouwanttobe Almost allhomeownerspoliciesspecificallyexclude coverageforfloodingunlesstheyare for lessthanhalfofallfloodsaccordingtoFEMA. Disaster fundingisonlyallocatedwhenthepresidentissuesadisasterdeclaration,whichoccurs common misperceptionthatdisasterassistancewillalwaysbeavailabletohelpafteraflood event. mortgages. Onaverage,justoneinchofwatercancause$25,000indamagestoahome.Itis a water. Floodinsuranceisnotmandatoryforallmortgages.Itfederallybacked recommended forthosewholivenearcoastlines,rivers,streamsystemsoranyotherbodyof Flooding isthemostcommonnaturaldisasterinUnitedStates.Floodinsurance 5.3 InsuranceforFloodEvents FORTIFIED MITIGATION CATEGORY Silver Roof Gold GUA DISCOUNT 7.5% 10% 5% Becauseofthis,youshouldplancoveragewell inadvance,notwaitingforastorm. • Floodcoveragehasa30-daywaitingperiod(unless foraloanclosingorfewotherreasons). areaspronetoflooding. majordamagetohomes.Floodinsurancecan generallybeobtainedatcheaperratesoutsideof coverageinthecaseofafloodevent.Floodscan, anddo,happenoutsideoffloodzonescause • Regardlessofthefloodzoneinwhichyourhouseislocated,youshouldconsiderpurchasing flood additionallivingexpenses. outtheyhadonlycoveragefortheirstructure.Thefloodpolicycovers Therearemanyinstanceswherepeoplethoughttheyhadpurchasedcoverageforbothand found • BesuretogetcoverageforBOTHthedwellinganditscontentsastheyaresoldindividually. • Separatedeductiblesapplytothedwellingandpersonalproperty. availablefromprivatecompanies. personalproperty).Ifthereplacementcostofyourhouseexceeds$250,000,additionallimits are • Floodpoliciesaresubjecttoamaximumlimit($250,000onthedwellingand$100,000 • FloodcoverageintheDwellingFormisbasedonreplacementcostwithtwoconditions: • InapplyingforaNFIPpolicy,homeownersusetheDwellingForm. • Manyhomeownersinsurancepoliciesexcludeflood. Key factstoknowaboutfloodinsurance: contacting aninsuranceagentorcompanyparticipatingintheprogram. agent tolearnmore.ItisimportantnotethatyoucanonlyobtaincoveragethroughtheNFIPby carriers whospecializeincoveringfloodriskmayoffercompetitiverates;consultyourinsurance You canpurchasefloodcoveragefromeithertheNFIPorprivatemarket.Private your area. existing policiescannotbemodified,whenastormispredictedtoapproachoralreadyapproaching before afloodinsurancepolicygoesintoeffect.Additionally,newpolicieswillnotbewritten,and first-time applicantforfloodinsurancefromtheNFIP,knowthatthereisa30-daywaitingperiod NFIP is$43,000. The averageannualfloodinsurance policypremiumis$700.TheAverageflood claim INSURANCE TIP: floodinsurance,howeverrentersarealsoeligibletopurchaseapolicyfromtheNFIP. - Youliveinthehouseatleast80%ofyear.Rentalhomeshavedifferentguidelinesfor availablefromtheNFIP($250,000). - Thehouseisinsuredto80%ofitsreplacementcostorthemaximumamountcoverage direct payout fromthe lossonly,not 91

Financial Protection 92 insurance agentformore information. reduced floodriskresulting fromthoseactivities.Youcancontactyour localfloodplainmanageror the minimumNFIPrequirements. Individualinsurancepremiumrates arediscountedtoreflectthe The CRSisaprogramthat rewardscommunitiesforfloodplainmanagement activitiesthatexceed 5.3.2 contents-only coverage. the claims.Youcanalsodecidebetweentwotypes ofpolicies:building-and-contentscoverageor if youarethenewowner.Therequirementsinvolve thenumberoffloodclaimsandcost validated foreligibility.Likewise,yourproperty mustmeetcertainlosshistoryrequirements,even your insuranceagent.Previousandcurrentflood zonedocumentationforyourpropertymustbe If yourpropertywasmappedintoalow-riskfloodzone,youmaystillbeeligibleforPRP, so ask that alreadyparticipatesintheNFIP.ThePRPpremiumsarelowerthanthoseforstandardpolicies. A PRPisavailableforapropertylocatedinlow-riskarea(e.g.,B,C,andXzones)community Preferred RiskPolicy(PRP) their FloodMapViewer( by theNFIP.TheGeorgiaDepartmentofNaturalResourcesalsooffersmuchthisinformation on and locateaninsuranceagentservingtheiraddressatwww.FloodSmart.gov,awebsitemaintained Homeowners canlearnmoreaboutfloodinsurance,performanaddress-basedriskassessment, requirements tomitigateflooddamage,suchaselevatingorfloodproofingstructures. location oftheproperty.HomeownersparticipatinginNFIPmustalsomaintaincertain Communities mustdecidetojointheNFIP,butindividualpremiumsvaryaccording the NFIP,homeownerspaypremiumsthatcontributetotheirrecoveryafterafloodingevent. of thefundingforrecoveryafterfloodingevents,butthissystemwasnotsustainable.Under unavailable fromtheprivateinsurancemarket.Thefederalgovernmenthadbeenproviding most In 1968,theU.S.CongressenactedNFIP,primarilybecausefloodinsurancewasmostly 5.3.1 The followingsectionsexplainhoweachofthesethingswork. • FloodInsuranceRateMap(FIRM)foryourarea • TheyearoftheinitialFloodInsurance,ifapplicable • Theyearyourhousewasbuilt • Thefloodzoneinwhichyourhouseislocated • AnElevationCertificate(notalwaysrequired) Five piecesofinformationaregenerallyneededtogetafloodquote/policy: NationalFloodInsuranceProgram CommunityRatingSystem(CRS) http://map.georgiadfirm.com/ ). 4. 3. 2. your 1. Elevation: best foryourproperty. damage. Youshouldconsultwithyourlocalfloodplain administratortodeterminewhichoptionis There arefouroptionsyoucanchoosefrom,inanycombination,tohelpreducefutureflood you willturnintoprocessyourclaimandICCcoverage. file forICCornot).Thedepartmentmustthengiveyouawrittenletterwiththoseterms,which necessary tobringyourhomeupcompliancewithcurrentcodesandrequirements(whether you Your community’sbuildingdepartmentmustdeterminetheextentofdamageandwhatis cannot exceed$250,000(themaximumlimitofcoverageforanyresidence). than $30,000(foranypolicyholder).Also,thecombinedamountofclaimandICCcoverage coverage ifsheneedstheadditionalfinancialassistance.TheICCwillprovideno more the housetomeetnewfloodplainrequirements.Janecanfileforherdirectlossclaimand ICC with herinsuranceadjusterandthelocalbuildinginspector,shefindsoutthatneedsto elevate For example,supposethatfloodingcauses$200,000ofdamagetoJane’shouse.Afterspeaking codes andrequirements. fill thegapbetweenrepairingyourhousetoitspre-existingconditionandcomplyingwith current current codesandrequirementsuponrebuilding.IncreasedCostofCompliance(ICC)coverage may a directlossinsuranceclaim,especiallywhenthehomeownermustupgradehometomeet Sometimes thedamagefromwindorfloodingisfargreaterthanahomeownercanaffordwith 5.3.3 area a25%discountonfederalfloodinsurance. these communitieshavegainedaratingof5,earningpropertyownersinthespecialfloodhazard In Georgia,10%ofthecommunitiesthatparticipateinNFIPalsoCRS.Four • Encourageacommunity’scomprehensiveapproachtofloodplainmanagement. • StrengthenandsupporttheinsuranceaspectsofNFIP. • Reduceflooddamagetoinsurableproperty. The threegoalsoftheCRSprogramare: Demolition: Relocation: Floodproofing: watertight throughacombination ofstructuralandnonstructuraladjustments oradditions. IncreasedCostofCompliance(ICC)Coverage community. Thisraisesyourhomeorbusinesstoabove thefloodelevationleveladoptedby Thismovesyourhomeorbusinessoutofharm’s way. Thistearsdownandremovesflood-damaged buildings. Thisoptionreducesthepotentialforflooddamage bymakingabuilding 93

Financial Protection 94 findandsubmitforms andthewaysyoucanfilethem. 1. Followyourpolicy’s guidelines: More detailedstepsinclude: yourself orsavetoaclouddrive(i.e.Google,Amazon, iCloud,orDropbox). Department ofInsuranceasaresourceforhelp. Also,saveeverythingtoaflashdrive,emailit contacting orworkingwithyourinsurancecompany throughtheclaimsprocess,useGeorgia and thecorrespondencesyouhave.Include dateandtime.Ifatanytimeyouhavedifficulties all futurecommunicationswiththeinsurance company. Starttakingnotesoneverythingyoudo Save yourclaimnumberonceyoufirstfiletheclaim.Thiswillbeusedasareference for with theprocessandknowwhatpiecesofinformationfromyourdeclarationpageswillbeneeded. as youreceiveyourpolicy,conductamockrun-throughforfilingclaim,sothatarefamiliar these stepstofilesuccessfully,negotiateyourclaim,andgetdamagefixedcorrectly. As soon Being abletofileaclaimiswhywepayforinsurance.Ifyourhomeorpropertydamaged, follow 5.4 MakingaClaimAfterReceivingLoss claim. Followtheinstructions carefullytomakeiteasierforyourself. Itshoulddetailwhereto “substantial damage,”regardlessoftheactualrepairworkperformed. of construction”theimprovement.Thistermincludesstructuresthathaveincurred of thestructure(orsmallerpercentageifestablishedbycommunity)before“start improvement ofastructure,thecostwhichequalsorexceeds50%marketvalue Substantial Improvement(SI) exceed 50%ofthemarketvaluestructurebeforedamagesoccurred. which thecostofrestoringstructuretoitsbefore-damagedconditionwouldequalor Substantially Damaged(SD) occasion. damage, onaverage,equaledorexceeded25%ofthemarketvaluebuildingeach damage onatleasttwooccasionsduringa10-yearperiod,andthecosttorepairflood Repetitively Damaged(orRepetitiveLoss-RL) BEFORE FILINGINSURANCECLAIMS meansdamagesofanyoriginsustainedbyastructurein meansanyreconstruction,rehabilitation,addition,orother FEMA TERMSTOLEARN Most insurancepolicies haveasectionthatdetailshowtofile means thebuildingmusthavehadflood havethemhauled awayuntilafteryourinspectorhasseenthem (exceptforhealth havereasonablyprevented. outhometoprevent mold growth).Insurancewillnotcoveradditional damagethatyoucould 6. Afterdocumenting,begincleanupassoon as itissafetodoso: itdigitalbytakingpicturesofit. willsaveyoutimeandensureaccuracy.If alreadyhaveahomeinventory,secureitormake companywillaskforaninventoryofdamaged items(usuallyonaprovidedform).Thispractice 5. Findorcreateahomeinventory: 4. Takevideos,ifpossible: include: occurred.Thesewillhelpyounegotiateyourclaimwithinsuranceadjuster. wideshotsandclose-ups.Makesuretogetverydetailedphotoswherethemostdamage comparisonofthedamage.Youcannottaketoomanypictures.Getdifferentangles,including 3. Takepictures: carrier. 2. Fileyourclaimimmediately: cleaning up.Additionally,itisagoodideatotakepicturesbeforetheeventitselfgive prevent furtherdamage(e.g.,tarpingadamaged roof,boardingupdamagedwindows,drying insurance claimpayoutwillbewhenyouwork withyouradjuster.Often,insurance in it.Zoomoneachexpensiveitem’sserialnumber,brand,etc. expedited handlingbeforearushofclaimscomesthroughthatrequireprioritizationbyyour • Damageditemscanbe takenoutsidetofacilitatecleanup,butitisrecommended notto • Foodinyourrefrigeratorandfreezer • Clothesandshoesinyourdressersclosets,includinglabels ware,smallappliances,everything! • Photosoftheinsideyourcabinets–cookware,servingpieces,flatware,baking andofthefloors. • Viewslookingdownyourhallways,intobedrooms,outofrooms,outside,inside, • Theserialandmodelnumbersofelectronicsappliances. Yourchoiceswillvarybasedonyourpolicyandinsurer. standards,likeFORTIFIEDHome,oroptionstoelevateyourhomeavoidthenextflood. • Youshouldalsoaskaboutimprovingthenewstructure’sresiliencybyusingcertain tothenewestbuildingcode. back build to Law and Ordinance as such incentives, additional for eligible be also may You • • Youcanstartyourclaimbyphoneoronlinewithmanyinsurers. • Theywillscheduleanadjustertocomeandvisityourproperty. • Yourinsurerwillbeabletohelpyouwithyourclaimandgiveadvice. Getyourphoneorcameraandtakepicturesofthedamagebeforeyoustart Conduct awalk-throughofeachroominthehouseandnarratewhatis Filingaclaimquicklyisgoodideaforseveralreasons,including The moredetailedyourlistis,theaccurate your Maketemporaryrepairsto Besureto

Financial Protection 96 11. Usingyourpaymentswisely:Spendmoneyaccordingtotheclaim.Otherwise,youmaybe willaddadditionalcoststothejob. 10. Useanycontractorbidsforrepairwork: 9. Youcannegotiateyourclaim: suchasgettingontheroof,takinglotsofphotosandrecordingmeasurements. theinspectorthroughdamageyousee.Takenoteiftheyarethoroughwithinspection, Make sure youarewalk home duringtheinspectionand homeinventory,andthedamageditemsreadytoshare. 8. Workwithyouradjuster: yougetforfuturepurchasestoo. copiesofreceiptsdo.Plantodothiswithany picturesofthem.Digitaldonotfade,buthard tonormal.Ifyouhaveoldreceiptsofpurchases,take 7. Saveyourreceipts: with theadjuster. from thedayofdamageuntilyourhomeisback ineligible toreceiveyourrecoverabledepreciation. damage. Thesebidscanalsobeusedtonegotiateyourclaim.Bringinghomeupcode https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood/how-do-i-file-my-flood-claim How doIfilemyfloodclaim? INSURANCE TIP: takenintoaccount. • IfyouhaveOrdinanceandLawcoverageinyourhomeowner’spolicy,makesurethatwas replacementcostsarecorrect. • Useyourhomeinventoryanddamagechecklistasproofofwhatyoulostensurethe besttodoonlyrepairsthatpreventfurtherdamageuntilanadjustercanseetheproperty? andsavesamplesorswatchesofcarpet,flooring,drapes,etc.toshowtheadjuster.Isit • Incaseofflooddamage,itisrecommendedtopreserveawaterlineonwallorwindow hazards,suchasspoiledfood).Besuretotakephotosoftheremoveditems. Savereceiptsfromeveryexpense Have acopyofyourphotos, Onceyoureceiveyourinitialclaimproposal,cannegotiate Thisisdonetojustifythecostsneededfix insurance agency. easily sharewithadjusters/ you’ll haverecordsandcan to acloud-basedformat,then Save photosbeforeandafter INSURANCE TIP: improvement/choosing-working-contractor ChoosingandWorking withaContractor( notpayingmorethan 25% ofthecontractpriceasadownpayment. Formoretips,lookat contract.However,theGeorgiaDepartmentof Law’sConsumerProtectionDivisionrecommends • Itisokayforcontractorstorequestacertain percentageofthecostsupfrontifyouareunder upononcompanyletterhead;donotforgetthose possibleadditionalcosts. • Onceyouselectacontractor,getyourcontract inwritingwitheverythingyouwantandagreed Ideally, workwithlocal,reputablecompanies andcontractors. theminthecontractprotectsyoufrom“surprise” costs. woodorothertypicalitemstheymightfind.Youmaynotenduppayingforthesebuthaving • Donotleaveanythingoutandaskthattheyplanforadditionalcosts,suchasreplacingrotted Get everythingyouwanttobedoneinwrittenbidsoncompanyletterhead. • Makesuretheyhave(andthatyougetcopiesofortakepicturesof): • Donotgiveapricerangeorletthemknowwhatyouhavereceivedfromyourinsuranceclaim. Get atleastthreebidsfromqualifiedcontractors. 5.5.1 recognize andavoidineptcontractorsscams. they aredisplaced.assessingtheirdamageorbeginningrepairs.Itisimportanttoknowhow disaster. Watchoutforunscrupulouscontractorsorotherswhotakeadvantageofpeoplewhile your home.Thisisespeciallyimportantinthebusyandoftenchaoticenvironmentfollowinga This sectionwill 5.5 ChooseaQualifiedContractorand Avoid Scams TipstoChooseaQualifiedContractor - Examplesofrecentlycompletedprojects - Atleastthreelocalreferencesyoucancall - Abondtofixanypoorworktheyrefuseaddress,justincase - Workman’sCompInsurancefortheirstaff - GeneralLiabilityinsurance ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/46)whenlookingfortheappropriatecontractor. searchthroughtheGeorgiaBoardofResidentialandGeneralContractors( - AContractor’sLicense(GeneralorRoof)HomeBuilder’sLicense,dependingonthe amount ofwork.Verifythattheirlicense/registrationisvalidbyconductinganonline help youmakedecisionsaboutchoosingtherightcontractortobuildorretrofit https://consumered.georgia.gov/your-home/home- ).

https://sos. 97

Financial Protection • Never pay in cash, and never pay in full upfront. The contract should include a schedule for payments in installments as work is satisfactorily completed. Issue the final payment only after all work has been completed to your satisfaction and passes any required code inspection. Upon receipt of final payment, the contractor should sign a lien waiver or release of lien indicating they have been fully paid and give up any rights to place a lien on your property in the future. • Ensure the contractor pulls all necessary permits for your job (check with local building department on what is required) and that all are properly closed out once the job is complete.

5.5.2 Avoid Being a Victim of a Fraud

The demand for qualified contractors after a large-scale disaster exceeds the supply, and many trustworthy, licensed home repair companies can be booked solid for months. Frustrated and anxious homeowners eager to get their property repaired may not take the necessary precautions when hiring contractors. Fraudulent contractors know this and flock to disaster-struck communities to make quick money for shoddy workmanship. This form of theft takes place when contractors overcharge, do not provide promised services, or use faulty materials when working on homes. Contractor jargon, details of complex building systems, and the unpredictable scope of work make choosing the right contractor a challenge. Additionally, it is important to distinguish the difference between contractor fraud and surge demand. Natural hazards can cause significant damage throughout communities, which leaves a large portion of people looking for help at the same time. Contractors may have to increase their prices in order to meet the demand.

Here are some tips to follow in order to protect yourself from fraudsters and identity theft: • Ask contractors for references and proof of insurance. Check with those references regarding the contractor’s dependability and quality of work. • Get written estimates with a description of work to be done, time schedules and payment schedules. Get estimates from more than one contractor. • Read and understand all contracts before you sign. Never sign any forms with blanks. Keep copies of everything you sign. • Do not sign an AOB (Assignment of Benefits). You are essentially turning over your rights on your insurance claim. • Never pay a contractor in full until the work is complete and acceptable. • Check your bank and credit card statements for purchases you have not made. If you suspect you are the victim of identity theft, report it immediately to your bank, credit card company and local law enforcement.

Follow the St. Bernard Project’s (SBP) 7 Tips to Avoiding Contractor Fraud on their website and use their Contractor Fraud Checklist to avoid being scammed. Learn more and download additional disaster recovery and homeowner resources at www.sbpusa.org/start-here.

98 100 LOCATION Atkinson Bleckley Baldwin Ben Hill Appling Berrien Barrow Bartow Banks Bacon Baker Bibb

222 PleasantHillChurchRoadNE Emergency ManagementAgencies 255 -BAppomattoxRoad 312 AllenMemorialDrive 664 AustinAvenueEast 112 NorthSecondStreet Milledgeville, GA31061 307 SouthDixonStreet 259 WestParkerStreet 201 NorthDavisStreet Cartersville, GA30120 557 ThompsonStreet Fitzgerald, GA 31750 Nashville, GA31639 Newton, GA39870 10 ElizabethStreet Pearson, GA31642 Cochran, GA31014 Winder, GA 30680 Homer, GA30547 700 PoplarStreet Macon, GA 31201 Appendix A Baxley, GA31515 167 BakerPlace Alma, GA31510 United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States ADDRESS

770-307-2897 ext.1996 CONTACT NUMBER 229-686-6588 478-445-3406 770-480-5504 478-832-6300 770-387-5089 229-734-3000 478-230-7300 912-422-3968 912-632-7979 706-677-3163 229-426-5161 912-367-8170 Chattahoochee Chatham Charlton Brantley Calhoun Camden Catoosa Candler Bulloch Brooks Carroll Burke Bryan Butts 625 WestThirdStreet,Suite14 124 BullStreet,Room140 17245 Highway301North 277 Highway24,South 213 McNaughtonStreet Waynesboro, GA30830 Statesboro, GA30458 426 RosaParksRoad Kingsland, GA31548 800 LafayetteStreet Carrollton, GA30117 131 NorthLeeStreet Savannah, GA31401 Ringgold, GA 30736 Post OfficeBox398 Quitman, GA31643 Folkston, GA31537 Morgan, GA39866 5995 Highway204 Nahunta, GA31553 896 NewnanRoad Jackson, GA30233 Post OfficeBox74 Cusseta, GA31805 702 BarwickRoad Ellabell, GA31308 57 CalhounStreet Metter, GA30439 United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States

229-263-4262 706-989-0417 770-830-5882 770-277-8897 912-685-2568 912-858-2799 706-554-6651 912-462-7874 706-935-2323 912-201-4500 912-510-5993 912-489-1661 912-486-1081 229-310-5124 101

Appendix A 102 City ofForestPark City ofSmyrna Chattooga Columbia Cherokee Colquitt Clayton Coweta Clarke Clinch Coffee Cook Cobb Clay 313 WestDameAvenue,SuiteF 140 NorthMariettaParkway 650-B RonaldReaganDrive 124 ThomasStreet,Suite1 3295 CountyFarmRoad Summerville, GA 30747 195 InternationalPark Forest Park, GA30297 Fort Gaines, GA39851 Homerville, GA31634 4539 JonesboroRoad Post OfficeBox1835 Riverdale, GA30274 941 MahoganyRoad Marietta, GA30060 700 CollegeAvenue Newnan, GA30265 Moultrie, GA31776 Smyrna, GA30080 2620 AtlantaRoad Douglas, GA31533 Athens, GA30601 150 ChattinDrive Canton, GA30115 7810 Highway85 Evans, GA30809 170 FarrarDrive Adel, GA 31620 United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States

770-499-4567 404-608-2372 706-857-3400 229-768-2505 678-493-4033 770-254-2650 706-868-3333 229-896-1196 678-631-5364 912-487-3700 770-473-7833 229-616-7417 706-613-3410 912-389-1705 Effingham Dougherty Crawford Douglas Dawson Decatur DeKalb Echols Dodge Elbert Dooly Crisp Early Dade 18610 EastSouthBoulevard 8480 EarlD.LeeBoulevard 1950 WestExchangePlace 640 GeorgiaHighway128 320 NorthJacksonStreet Dawsonville, GA30534 Douglasville, GA31034 211 WestUnionStreet Springfield, GA31329 Bainbridge, GA39817 Statenville, GA31648 Post OfficeBox6010 601 N.LaurelStreet Post OfficeBox365 Elberton, GA30635 Post OfficeBox818 Eastman, GA31023 Trenton, GA30752 Roberta, GA31078 Blakely, GA39823 393 MemoryLane Tucker, GA30084 Cordele, GA31015 Vienna, GA31092 196 Highway300 309 AirportRoad Albany, GA31701 71 CaseAvenue United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States

706-334-3666 ext.226 678-406-7768 229-276-2600 229-268-4395 229-559-8500 770-949-3007 706-283-2003 478-836-2616 229-723-3029 912-754-8200 229-431-3266 478-374-8136 229-248-3011 706-657-4111 103

Appendix A 104 Emanuel Glascock Franklin Forsyth Gordon Fayette Fannin Greene Gilmer Fulton Glynn Evans Grady Floyd 140 W.StonewallAvenue,Suite214 130 PeachtreeStreet,SuiteG157 1725 ReynoldsStreet,Suite224 4543 FairmountHighwaySE 325 HowardSimmonsRoad 1034 SilverDrive,Suite 201 03 17thAvenueNorthwest 3520 SettingdownRoad Greensboro, GA30642 Swainsboro, GA30401 Fayetteville, GA30214 101 NorthMainStreet Carnesville, GA30521 Brunswick, GA31520 Blue Ridge, GA30513 Cumming, GA30028 409 East12thStreet Post OfficeBox425 Calhoun, GA30701 Post OfficeBox68 Claxton, GA30417 Atlanta, GA30303 7011 Highway145 Gibson, GA30810 Ellijay, GA 30540 20 StationRidge Cairo, GA39827 Rome, GA30161 United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States

706-602-2905 706-236-5002 404-612-5660 229-377-0628 770-205-4528 706-632-1958 912-554-7826 706-453-7716 770-305-5169 478-237-3169 706-598-2811 706-635-1333 706-384-7118 912-739-1611 Home Office Habersham Gwinnett Haralson Hancock Houston Jackson Harris Henry Jasper Heard Irwin Hart Hall 200 CarlVinsonParkway,SuiteA 368 CurtisH.SpenceDrive Warner Robins, GA31088 526 IndustrialBoulevard Lawrenceville, GA30043 Atlanta, GA30316-0055 Post OfficeBox907730 77 MackTillmanDrive McDonough, GA30253 Mount Airy, GA30563 Gainesville, GA30501 Monticello, GA31064 800 ChandlerStreet Jefferson, GA30549 Buchanan, GA30113 Hartwell, GA30643 Post OfficeBox365 Hamilton, GA31811 Post OfficeBox501 Franklin, GA30217 935 UnitedAve.SE 11816 Highway100 3997 Highway120 800 HiHopeRoad Sparta, GA31087 52 SpringStreet Ocilla, GA31774 175 EOCDrive United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States

1-800-879-4362 706-468-4930 706-444-5388 770-646-2036 404-635-7000 706-778-9500 229-468-9616 478-542-2026 706-376-2024 770-288-7870 706-675-6186 706-628-7161 706-367-1232 706-612-0185 770-503-3215 770-513-5610 105

Appendix A 106 Jeff Davis Lumpkin Jefferson Lowndes Johnson Laurens Lincoln Jenkins Liberty Lamar Lanier Jones Long Lee 118 AcademyDrive,SuiteG 6785 EastCollegeStreet 285 S.McDonaldStreet 650 CountyFarmRoad Wrightsville, GA31096 Barnesville, GA30204 10 PublicSafetyDrive Hazlehurst, GA31539 Lincolnton, GA30817 Dahlonega, GA30533 Louisville, GA30434 Post OfficeBox1349 Hinesville, GA31313 342 LeslieHighway Post OfficeBox658 Lakeland, GA31635 Leesburg, GA31763 Post OfficeBox340 Post OfficeBox797 57 APineTreeWay Post OfficeBox237 Ludowici, GA31316 Valdosta, GA31603 100 LibertyStreet Millen, GA30442 Dublin, GA31021 Gray, GA31032 United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States 6 ParkDrive

478-986-6672 478-864-9759 229-759-6090 478-982-2563 706-359-4855 706-974-1034 229-671-2790 478-625-4102 912-375-6628 770-358-5166 912-302-4432 912-368-2201 912-368-2201 478-277-2911 Montgomery Meriwether Muscogee McIntosh McDuffie Madison Mitchell Morgan Newton Monroe Murray Marion Macon Miller 17234 RooseveltHighway,BulidingB 8134 GeigerStreet,Suite 10 810 G.I.MaddoxParkway Mount Vernon, GA30445 507 MontpelierAvenue Montezuma, GA31063 Danielsville, GA30633 Chatsworth, GA30705 Buena Vista, GA31803 718 SouthPlumStreet 26 NorthCourtStreet 1380 MonticelloRoad Greenville, GA30222 1019 ProductionRow Covington, GA30014 Thomson, GA30824 Columbus, GA31901 1061 SalemRoadSE Madison, GA30650 Post OfficeBox504 Post OfficeBox295 Post OfficeBox278 Post OfficeBox481 Colquitt, GA39837 Forsyth, GA31029 Camilla, GA31730 Darien, GA31305 510 TenthStreet United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States

478-994-7004 706-695-2088 706-672-3468 706-595-2045 706-342-2459 229-336-2000 706-225-4072 678-342-5326 478-472-3575 912-583-2840 706-795-2174 229-758-4122 706-575-1308 912-437-5170 107

Appendix A 108 Ogelthorpe Richmond Randolph Paulding Quitman Putnam Pickens Pulaski Oconee Rabun Pierce Peach Polk Pike 1266 EastChurchStreet,Suite4152 25 CourthouseSquare,Suite201 55 ClineIngramJacksonRoad 165 NorthJohnstonStreet 123 NorthWebsterStreet Hawkinsville, GA31036 3117 DeansBridgeRoad Watkinsville, GA30677 Georgetown, GA39854 Fort Valley, GA31030 Cedartown, GA30125 Blackshear, GA 31516 Cuthbert, GA39840 Eatonton, GA31024 2703 ElbertonRoad Post OfficeBox475 Post OfficeBox563 Post OfficeBox570 Post OfficeBox377 Augusta, GA30906 Post OfficeBox421 Zebulon, GA30295 Post OfficeBox114 Clayton, GA30525 Carlton, GA30627 Jasper, GA30143 Dallas, GA30132 111 RidleyDrive United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States

706-253-8829 706-485-8557 478-825-3687 912-449-2040 229-334-0903 229-310-6649 770-748-3439 678-383-3428 478-783-9261 770-468-9531 706-782-5821 706-821-1640 706-310-3601 706-614-0121 Taliaferro Seminole Stephens Rockdale Spalding Tattnall Screven Stewart Sumter Terrell Telfair Schley Taylor Talbot McCrea-Helena, GA31055 Donalsonville, GA39845 618 FrontageRoadWest Crawfordville, GA30631 200 SouthKnoxAvenue 274 WillowCreekDrive 1496 RockbridgeRoad 3110 AlbanyHighway 1005 MemorialDrive Reidsville, GA30453 Talbotton, GA31827 901 AddertonStreet Post OfficeBox905 Americus, GA31719 Post OfficeBox386 Post OfficeBox278 Sylvania, GA 30467 Post OfficeBox352 Lumpkin, GA31815 Post OfficeBox155 Post OfficeBox157 Dawson, GA 39842 Post OfficeBox114 Ellaville, GA31806 Conyers, GA30012 Toccoa, GA30577 Griffin, GA30223 Butler, GA31006 United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States

706-456-2494 229-868-5672 229-524-8956 706-898-5395 229-942-3070 912-564-8956 229-937-2567 478-862-5176 229-995-5381 770-278-8401 770-288-2129 706-741-1076 229-815-9531 912-557-1911 109

Appendix A 110 Washington Treutlen Thomas Toombs Warren Twiggs Walker Turner Towns Upson Union Troup Ware Tift 1830 MartinLutherKingJr.Drive 321 NorthWestBroadStreet 3395 HarrisRoad,Suite300 625 E.WashingtonAvenue 10054 NorthHighway27 1202 RemingtonAvenue Jeffersonville, GA31044 48 RiverStreet,SuiteB Rock Spring, GA30739 Thomasville, GA31792 507 ShoeFactoryRoad Sandersville, GA31082 Thomaston, GA30286 Warrenton, GA30828 Hiawasee, GA30546 Blairsville, GA30512 2471 HamiltonRoad LaGrange, GA30241 316 West2ndStreet Soperton, GA30457 Waycross, GA31503 Post OfficeBox348 Post OfficeBox202 125 WarthenStreet Ashburn, GA31714 Post OfficeBox46 Lyons, GA30436 Tifton, GA31794 United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States

706-647-5600 229-388-6060 706-896-2228 706-884-0326 229-567-2926 706-439-6091 912-526-6424 478-945-3357 912-529-3664 478-552-5477 912-287-4394 229-225-4190 706-465-3351 706-375-7810 Wilkinson Whitfield Wheeler Webster Wilkes Wilcox Wayne Worth White (Source: GeorgiaEmergencyManagementAgency) 1241 HelenHighway,Suite100 203 EastWillinghamStreet 804 ProfessionalBoulevard 155 NorthWayneStreet Washington, GA30673 Cleveland, GA30528 Post OfficeBox497 Irwinton, GA31042 105 MarshallStreet Abbeville, GA31001 Sylvester, GA31791 Post OfficeBox516 Post OfficeBox138 Post OfficeBox161 Preston, GA31824 Dalton, GA30720 Alamo, GA30411 Jesup, GA 31546 United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States United States

706-865-9500 229-829-5600 478-946-2236 229-322-9607 706-678-7837 229-776-8223 912-568-7007 706-876-2510 912-427-5979 111

Appendix A 112 (Source: NOAA –NWS)Formoreinformation, visit CALL SIGN WWH24 WWH39 WWH25 WXM88 WWH23 WXM65 KPS506 WWH31 KWN50 WXK56 WXK54 WXK52 WXK75 WXK53 WXK71 WXJ28 KEC80 WXJ30 WXJ72 KZZ70 KEC85 WXJ53 KXI89 KXI76 WXJ31 KXI28 KXI22 KXI75 KXI77 KXI81 Weather RelatedBroadcast/Radio StationsandApps NOAA WeatherRadio Appendix B Brasstown Bald NWS Stations Summerville Waynesboro Sandersville Washington Chatsworth Thomaston SITE NAME Blue Ridge Brunswick Buchanan Savannah Cleveland LaGrange Waycross Americus Eatonton Eastman Valdosta Ashburn Augusta Clayton Pelham Blakely Atlanta Athens Toccoa Metter Macon Baxley Jesup https://www.weather.gov/nwr/sta FREQUENCY 162.400 162.400 162.400 162.400 162.450 162.450 162.450 162.450 162.450 162.450 162.500 162.500 162.500 162.500 162.425 162.425 162.425 162.425 162.425 162.425 162.475 162.475 162.475 162.550 162.550 162.550 162.525 162.525 162.525 162.525 tions?State=GA. https://www.weather.gov/nwr/special_needs that providesspecializedalerts.Seethe“NWRSpecialNeeds”pageforadditionalinformation For thosewhoexperiencehearingdifficulties,theNationalWeatherServicehasareceiversystem alerts-app-1e purchases. Formoreinformationonweatherapps, visit your needandpreference.Mostoftheseapps are free,howeversomehavetheoptionforin-app Many have Below isalistofweatherappsthatcanbeused forsevereweatheralertsandforecast. • NWSMobile Weather • FEMAMobile App • DisasterAlertbyPacific DisasterCenter • AmericanRedCrossDisaster Apps • AlertFM • Accuweather the optiontobeusedonsmartphones,desktops, tablets,andtelevisionsdependingon FM STATION . WUWG WNGH WWET WNGU WUNV WUGA WWIO WRGC WRGC WSVH WACG WABR WGPB WJWV WPPR WRAS WXVS WJSP (Source: GeorgiaPublicBroadcasting) Georgia PublicBroadcasting Radio Stations Weather Apps Milledgeville Chatsworth Brunswick Dahlonega LOCATION Ft. Gaines Columbus Savannah Demorest Carrolton Waycross . Valdosta Augusta Atlanta Athens Albany Macon Tifton Rome • WeatherUnderground • WeatherUSA • WeatherInformation Network • WeatherBug • TheWeatherChannel Notifications • StormShieldSevereWeatherApp https://www.weather.gov/enterprise/sw- FREQUENCY 98.9 90.9 88.9 89.5 89.7 90.7 90.7 88.5 88.3 88.3 97.7 90.1 88.1 91.7 91.7 91.7 91.1 91.1 113

Appendix B 114 Georgia PeerSupportand Georgia CoalitionAgainst Georgia CrisisandAccess National CrisisTextLine National ChildAbuse Veterans CrisisLine SAMHSA Treatment Prevention Lifeline Domestic Violence Wellness Centers National Suicide Covenant House Ok2talk Hotline RESOURCE Locator Hotline Line Weather RelatedBroadcast/Radio StationsandApps Talk tolocalcrisiscentersfor Provides assistancetopeople provides supportservicesfor center forupto7daysasan domestic violencecentersin Find localtreatmentcenters Provides crisisintervention, located throughoutGeorgia. experiencing mentalhealth help withsuicidalthoughts homeless youthinGeorgia. information, resourcesand Talk toatrainedcounselor alternative toapsychiatric to mentalhealthresources talking anddailywellness crises andprovidesaccess Provides supportthrough support servicesforchild through textmessaging. A hotlineforveteransor individuals totalkabout Provides informationon mental healthconcerns. activities. Findarespite Find alocalshelterthat and emotionaldistress. concerned lovedones. for mentalhealthand Provides aspacefor substance abuse. NAMI CrisisResources hospital. Georgia. ABOUT abuse. Appendix C 1-800-273-TALK or1-800-SUICIDE Colquitt County:229-873-9737 Bartow County:770-276-2019 Henry County:678-782-7666 White County:706-865-3601 CONTACT INFORMATION Decatur: 404-371-1414 TTY: 1-800-799-4889 Text “GA”to741-741 TTY: 800-487-4889 1-800-662-4357 1-800-422-4453 1-800-334-2836 1-800-273-8255 1-800-715-4225 1-800-273-talk 404-713-0954 doLogin.do?e=Z2FjbSAg Health andDevelopmental Disabilities(DBHDD) Organization Administrative ServicesOrganizationandtheGeorgiaDepartment ofBehavioral For additionalhelpfinding anagency,usethissearchtoolprovided by theGeorgiaCollaborative tal%20Health%20Agencies;;;0;N local agencies(http://211online.unitedwayatlanta.org/MatchList.aspx?k;;0;;N;0;0;Community%20Men See theCommunityMentalHealthAgenciespage fromUnitedWayofGreaterAtlantaforalist For moreinformation,see National DisasterDistress National ChildTraumatic National SexualAssault National DrugHelpline Georgia CaresHotline SafeQuest CrisisLine Girls andBoysTown National Domestic National Hotline Violence Hotline Stress Network Elder Abuse Helpline Hotline . https://namiga.org/community-resources/ Provides crisiscounselingand Provides supportfordrugand experience emotionaldistress who haveexperiencedsexual enforcement assistance,and ). formation ontreatmentand support forindividualswho (Source: NationalAllianceofMentalIllness) Provides support,resources Provides crisisintervention and informationforpeople alcohol addictionsandin Provides information,law resources forsurvivorsof Provides informationand experiencing domesticor referrals tolocalsupport resources forindividuals services forindividuals caregiving andsupport resources onchildhood Provides resourcesand Provides resourcesand information onelderly experiencing domestic Provides supportand sexual exploitation. recovery resources. traumatic stress. after adisaster. sexual abuse. violence. services. services. assault. https://www.valueoptions.com/referralconnect/ - https://www.caregiver.org/state-list- child-trauma/about-child-trauma https://www.nctsn.org/what-is- Text “TalkWithUs”to66746 views?field_state_tid=69 TTY: 1-800-787-3224 . 1-800-985-5990 1-844-289-0879 1-800-448-3000 1-800-656-4673 1-844-842-3678 1-866-487-7233 1-800-799-7233 - 115

Appendix C 116 community. into sixregionslistedbelow.Contactyourspecificregionformentalhealthresourceswithin answering questionsandfindingmentalhealthservicesinyourarea.Theofficesarebrokenup The GeorgiaDBHDDhasestablishedRegionalFieldOfficesacrossthestatethatcanprovidehelp Region 2 Region 3 Region 1 REGION Suite 800Cumming,GA30041 1230 BaldRidgeMarinaRoad 3405 MikePadgettHighway Toll Free:866-380-4835 Toll Free:877-217-4462 Primary: 404-244-5056 Primary: 404-244-5050 Primary: 678-947-2818 Primary: 706-792-7733 3073 PanthersvilleRd. Augusta, GA30906 Decatur, GA30034 Regional FieldOffices Building 10 Building 3 CONTACT

Banks, Bartow,Catoosa,Chattooga, Jones, Lincoln,Madison,McDuffie, Clarke, Columbia,Elbert,Emanuel, Jackson, Jasper,Jefferson,Jenkins, Clayton, Dekalb,Fulton,Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall,Haralson,Hart, Oglethorpe, Putnam,Richmond, Pickens, Polk,Rabun,Stephens, Cherokee, Cobb,Dade,Dawson, Douglas, Fanin,Floyd,Forsyth, Baldwin, Barrow,Bibb,Burke, Towns, Union,Walker,White, Walton, Warren,Washington, Lumpkin, Murray,Paulding, Screven, Taliaferro,Twiggs, Glascock, Greene,Hancock, Franklin, Gilmer,Gordon, Monroe, Morgan,Oconee, Wilkes, andWilkinson Newton, andRockdale COUNTIES SERVED Whitfield georgia.gov/regional-field-offices For moreinformation,visittheRegionalFieldOfficespagefromGeorgiaDBHDD Region 6 Region 4 Region 5 (Source: GeorgiaDepartmentofBehavioralHealthandDevelopmentalDisabilities) ). Columbus, GA31907-2435 400 S.PinetreeBoulevard Toll Free:877-683-8557 Primary: 229-225-5099 Primary: 706-565-7835 Primary: 912-303-1670 Thomasville, GA31792 1915 EisenhowerDrive 3000 SchatulgaRoad Savannah, GA31406 Building 4 Building 7

Appling, Atkinson,Bacon,Bleckley, Tattnall, Telfair,Toombs,Treutlen, Butts, Carroll,Chattahoochee,Clay, Miller, Mitchell,Seminole,Terrell, Spalding, Stewart,Sumter,Talbot, Brantley, Bryan,Bulloch,Camden, Taylor, Troup,UpsonandWebster Evans, Glynn,JeffDavis,Johnson, Laurens, Liberty,Long,McIntosh, Ware, Wayne,WheelerandWilcox Clinch, Coffee,Dodge,Effingham, Pike, Quitman,Randolph,Schley, Calhoun, Colquitt,Cook,Decatur, Houston, Lamar,Macon,Marion, Thomas, Tift,Turner,andWorth Baker, BenHill,Berrien,Brooks, Dougherty, Early,Echols,Grady, Coweta, Crawford,Crisp,Dooly, Meriwether, Muscogee,Peach, Fayette, Harris,Heard,Henry, Montgomery, Pierce,Pulaski, Irwin, Lanier,Lee,Lowndes, Candler, Charlton,Chatham, (https://dbhdd. 117

Appendix C 118 Weather RelatedBroadcast/RadioStationsand Apps http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/windchill.shtml National WeatherService (NWS)WindChill https://www.weather.gov/ National WeatherService(NWS) https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/nationalsurge/ National StormSurgeWeatherMap https://www.noaa.gov/ National OceanicandAtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/ National DroughtMonitor http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/ Georgia ForestryCommission https://gema.georgia.gov/ Georgia EmergencyManagementAgency(GEMA) http://www.dot.ga.gov/ Georgia DepartmentofTransportation(GDOT) https://www.fema.gov/floodplain-management FEMA’s FloodplainManagementAgency https://www.fema.gov/ Federal EmergencyManagementAgency(FEMA) https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/water-conservation Environmental ProtectionDivisionWaterConservation https://www.ready.gov/drought Before aDrought Appendix D Useful Links https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/7877 FEMA’s https://www.fema.gov/ Federal EmergencyManagement Agency (FEMA) https://dhs.georgia.gov/division-offices/office-facilities-support-services Department ofHumanServices,OfficeFacilities and SupportServices(OFSS) https://aging.georgia.gov/ Department ofHumanServices–DivisionAging Service (DAS) https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/dema/dekalb-emergency-management-agency Dekalb Emergency ManagementAgency(DEMA) https://cacp.gatech.edu/ Center forAdvancedCommunicationsPolicy–GeorgiaInstituteofTechnology https://atlautism.org/ Atlanta AutismConsortium https://www.redcross.org/local/georgia/about-us/locations.html American RedCross–GeorgiaLocations http://www.georgiaredcross.org/ American RedCross–Atlanta https://www.airbnb.com/openhomes/disaster-relief Airbnb OpenHomesProgram Preparedness andDisasterAssistanceResources https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather Winter Weather tion-information/index https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/disaster-designa United StatesDepartmentofAgriculture(USDA)DroughtDesignations https://www.ready.gov/ Ready GeorgiaWebsite Are YouReady? - 119

Appendix D 120 http://www.gnrhealth.com/ Gwinnett, Newton,and RockdaleCountyHealthDepartments manServices https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/Splashpages/GwinnettCoalitionforHealthandHu Gwinnett CoalitionforHealthandHumanService EmergencyPreparednessCommittee https://ada.georgia.gov/ Georgia StateFinancingandInvestmentCommission –StateADACoordinatorsOffice https://www.georgialegalaid.org/ Georgia LegalAid https://www.georgiahousingsearch.org/ Georgia HousingSearchTool http://www.gatrees.org/ Georgia ForestryCommissionFirePermit https://gema.georgia.gov/ Georgia EmergencyManagementAgency(GEMA) https://dph.georgia.gov/emergency-preparedness paredness andResponse Georgia DepartmentofPublicHealth–DivisionProtectionOfficeEmergency Pre https://dhs.georgia.gov/ Georgia DepartmentofHumanServices https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/portal/site/DBHDD/ Georgia DepartmentofBehavioralHealthandDevelopmental Disabilities http://thegao.org/ Georgia AdvocacyOffice(GAO) https://www.gcdhh.org/ Georgia CenterfortheDeafandHardofHearing https://www.fodac.org/ Friends ofDisabledAdultsandChildren(FODAC) - - https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-HelpLine/NAMI-Resource-Library National AllianceonMental HealthNationalResourceDirectory http://www.georgiadisaster.info/ Georgia DisasterMentalHealth https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/ Georgia CrisisandAccessLine https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline Disaster DistressHelpline https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/coping_stress_reactions.asp#two Coping withTraumaticStressReactions https://www.ready.gov/coping-with-disaster Coping withDisaster Mental HealthandSexualAssaultResources https://gatfl.gatech.edu/index.php Innovation Institute Tools for Life–TheAlternativeMediaAccessNetworkGeorgiaInstituteofTechnologyEnterprise http://www.adasoutheast.org/ Southeast ADA Center https://www.shepherd.org/ Shepherd Center https://salvationarmygeorgia.org/ Salvation Army https://gvs.georgia.gov/ Project Independence:AFunctionoftheGeorgiaVocationalRehabilitationAgency https://www.bringfido.com/ Pet FriendlyHotels https://redd.tamu.edu/long-term-disaster-recovery-toolkit-for-individuals-with-disabilities Long-Term DisasterRecoveryToolkitforIndividualswithDisabilities 121

Appendix D 122 https://www.rainn.org/ Rape, AbuseandIncestNationalNetwork(RAINN) tal-Health-Crisis https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Publications-Reports/Guides/Navigating-a-Men Navigating aMentalHealthCrisis https://www.thehotline.org/is-this-abuse/abuse-defined/ National DomesticAbuseHotline https://namiga.org/community-resources/ National AllianceonMentalIllnessResourceDirectory https://www.floodsmart.gov/ FEMA’s FloodSmart https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3140 FEMA’s DesignandConstruction GuidanceforCommunitySafeRooms https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3293# FEMA’s CoastalConstructionManual https://flash.org/protect.php#3 Federal AllianceforSafeHomesRoofInstallation Resource https://www.epa.gov/privatewells/what-do-your-private-well-after-flood EPA’s WhattodoaftertheFlood https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/septic-systems-what-do-after-flood EPA’s SepticSystems–WhattodoaftertheFlood www.dontgoof.org Don’t GoofWhenYouReroof http://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist Certified Arborist https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/books/housing/cha09.htm CDC’s HealthyHousingResourceManual–Plumbing Construction Resources - https://www.columbusga.gov/InsCode/codes2020.htm Georgia StateAmendments totheInternationalPlumbingCode ings/construction-codes https://www.dca.ga.gov/local-government-assistance/construction-codes-industrialized-build Georgia BuildingCodes–Department of CommunityAffairs https://disastersafety.org/fortified/resources/#standards FORTIFIED TechnicalBulletin https://fortifiedhome.org/standards/ FORTIFIED RoofingChecklist https://fortifiedhome.org/ FORTIFIED Homewebsite https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed-protection-branch/floodplain-management Floodplain Management inGeorgiaQuickGuide,2015 small-business https://www.fema.gov/fema-p-320-taking-shelter-storm-building-safe-room-your-home-or- FEMA’s TakingShelterfromtheStorm https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3972 FEMA’s RecommendedResidentialConstructionforCoastalAreas https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/165910 FEMA’s ProtectYourHomefromFlooding https://www.fema.gov/homeowners-guide-retrofitting FEMA’s Homeowner’sGuidetoRetrofitting https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/6131 FEMA’s HomeBuilder’sGuidetoCoastalConstructionFactsheet https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3293# FEMA’s HomeBuilder’sGuidetoCoastalConstruction https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/3490 FEMA’s FreeofObstructionRequirements - 123

Appendix D Hawaiian Electric Handbook https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/safety-and-outages/storm-center/emergency-preparedness-handbook

Hawaii Homeowners Handbook http://seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/homeowners-handbook-to-prepare-for-natural-hazards/

Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) https://ibhs.org/guidance/policyholders/

Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) Opening Protection Selection Guide https://ibhs.org/wind-driven-rain/hurricane-resources/

International Window Film Association (IWFA) https://iwfa.com/

Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/ICC5002014

Insurance and Contracting Resources

Choosing and Working with a Contractor https://consumered.georgia.gov/your-home/home-improvement/choosing-working-contractor

Georgia Board of Residential and General Contractors https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/46

Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Flood Map Viewer http://map.georgiadfirm.com/

Georgia Underwriting Association https://www.georgiaunderwriting.com/

How to File a Flood Claim https://www.floodsmart.gov/flood/how-do-i-file-my-flood-claim

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Information https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/272 SPONSORS

St. Bernard Project (SBP) Disaster Recovery and Homeowner Resources https://sbpusa.org/index.php?p=start-here/

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