First responders suggest increased preparation for 2020 hurricane season

ALBANY, Ga. —  The 2020 hurricane season is only a couple of weeks away from starting.

For an area like Southwest Georgia that’s already been hit hard with flooding, tornadoes, and severe weather this year, first responders are taking extra precautions.

“We’ve had all of these high winds, all of this rain, and a lot of water. That’s why it’s very important that all our citizens get prepared for this upcoming hurricane season,” says Albany Assistant Fire Chief Rubin Jordan.

With Hurricane Michael still in the minds of community leaders nearly two years later preparing for severe storms is still a high priority.

Jordan says where in the area you live could make a difference in how severe the impact is.

He tells us, “One of the topics is to determine your risk. And basically an example of determining your risk is knowing where your community lies during a hurricane.”

In addition to preparing for potentially more severe weather in our area, the pandemic has also made preparing for hurricane season add a few more priorities for emergency supplies.

“Things are going to be a little different. One thing the CDC also emphasizes is make sure you have a mask. Make sure you have hand sanitizer. You need to add that to your hurricane kit,” says Jordan.

For information on how to prepare for this hurricane season, as well as recommended supplies, you can visit the Dougherty County Emergency Management Facebook page here.