An official website of the State of Georgia.
Posted Sep. 8, 2025
Coastlines Georgia | August 2025 | Vol. 8, Iss. 1
By Tyler Jones
Public Information Officer
Hurricane preparedness on Georgia’s coast is not just a seasonal chore—it’s a civic habit that protects lives, livelihoods, and the marshes that define this place. From Tybee to St. Marys, our communities sit beside wide estuaries and barrier islands linked by long causeways. Those same beautiful features in a hurricane can cut off evacuation routes, and make recovery slower if residents wait too long to act. Preparing before a storm is the single most effective way to reduce risk for families, working waterfronts, and critical habitats.
Start with a plan. Every coastal household should know its county evacuation zone, primary and backup routes, and a realistic destination inland. Build an emergency kit that covers at least three days without power: water, shelf-stable food, medications, pet supplies, flashlights, batteries, a weather radio, and basic first aid. Back up essential documents—IDs, insurance, prescriptions—both digitally and in a waterproof folder. If you need prescriptions, medical equipment, or mobility assistance, coordinate with your county emergency management office now, not when a watch becomes a warning.
Understand your risk. Storm surge can overtop dunes and bulkheads, while heavy rain floods low-lying neighborhoods and roadways. Even a Category 1 storm can move boats, fuel, and debris into marsh creeks, damaging oyster beds and shorelines.
Review your insurance well before a storm arrives; standard policies don’t cover flooding, and most flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period. Photograph your home and belongings for documentation, and elevate valuables, chemicals, and electronics above expected flood levels.
Homeowners should bring in outdoor furniture, trash bins, and yard items that can become projectiles or pollute marshes. Clear gutters and storm drains so water has a place to go. For private docks, check fasteners, lighting, and electrical systems; a few hours of maintenance can prevent costly damage—and hazardous debris—downstream.
Evacuate early if told to go. Staying “to ride it out” strains first responders and risks being trapped by surge or downed power lines. If you shelter in place for a weaker storm, choose an interior room away from windows and have enough supplies to be self-sufficient for several days. After the storm, avoid driving through salt marsh areas or flooded roads. Use generators outdoors and well away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Preparedness is ultimately about respect—for the power of water and wind, for neighbors who may need help, and for the marshes that buffer us year-round. Planning ahead keeps Georgia’s coastal communities safer and speeds the return to school, work, fishing, and the everyday life we cherish.
