Hello there!

The 2019 season is officially on June 1st and ends November 30th. This will be my twelvth hurricane season as the chief meteorologist of WSAV. I usually approach each season asking will this one be the one? But not this time. Hurricane Matthew hit October 2016, Irma 2017, and Florence & Michaelthreatened in 2018. So now we ask what’s next? Warm sea surface temperatures and a weak or non-existent El Nino could lead to an above-normal hurricane season. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is forecasting 11 to 17 named storms, five to nine hurricanes and two to four major hurricanes. The season is already off to an active start. For the third year in a row, we have seen tropical storms develop before the ohave seen tropical storms develop before the official start of hurricane season. Back in April, Tropical Storm Arlene formed. This is extremely rare. Only one other storm has ever formed during the month of April. Whether it’s an overly active season or not, it doesn’t really matter. What matters is if any one storm hits the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. Hurricanes and tropical storms can be huge storms that produce damaging Hurricanes and tropical storms can be huge storms that produce damaging winds, a strong storm surge, flooding rain, tornadoes, rip currents and beach erosion. While we can’t stop a hurricane, we can prepare for them. You can keep up with the latest forecast, live radar and storm alerts by downloading the Storm Team 3 Weather App or by logging on to WSAV.com. ItIt’s all free!

Keep looking up!

Chief Meteorologist Kris Allred

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BENSENGER

If conditions during a storm are not safe foryou, then they’re not safe for your pets either.Include your pets in your hurricane plan. Keep in mind: •Service animals are the ONLY pets allowed at most public shelters.•Most motels and hotels will allow smaller pets (cats, small dogs, etc.) for an additional fee or deposit but be sure to ask before you go.•If you evacuate to a shelter, make•If you evacuate to a shelter, make arrangements early to board your pet at a kennel or boarding service outside hurricane evacuation zones. Don’t wait until the last minute. Space will be limited, and standard boarding fees will apply.•Regardless of where you evacuate, be sure your pet is clearly identified with a sure your pet is clearly identified with a current license and rabies tag on their collar. You may consider having your pet micro-chipped.

• Try to keep your schedule as normal as possible.• Make sure their shots are up to date. You may need proof of vaccinations.• Pet stores can help you find shelter for exotic pets.

Put together a Supply Kit including:Put together a Supply Kit including:• A pet carrier or collapsible cage (appropriate for your pet)• Pet food, bottled water and any medications, enough for at least one week (don’t forget bowls, a manual can opener and treats)• Proof of up-to-date vaccinations• Proof of up-to-date vaccinations• Current photo of you with your pet (as proof of ownership)• Cat litter, liners and pan• Newspaper and paper towels for clean up• Small trash bags for waste• Muzzle (if necessary)• Toys and other comfort items• Toys and other comfort items• First aid kit• Mark all your pets’ belongings with a water-proof marker

After the storm, The Humane Society and other animal services can help you find alost pet or locate the owner of a pet you find. Watch your pet carefully outdoors.Familiar scents and landmarks and landmarks may change,and your pet could easily get confused.Downed power lines, contaminated contaminated food and water are also realdangers. Remember,pets are part of the family; don’t put them at don’t put them at risk.

TINATYUSSHAW

KIMGUSBY

Be extremely cautious of anyone coming toyour home uninvited and offering to do homerepairs.Obtain a written estimate or contract.Never pay with cash.Be sure to note an address, telephone numberand license numbers.and license numbers.Ask for references and check them out.Insist on start and completion dates in thecontract, and do not pay the final balance untilthe work is completed to your satisfaction.If you suspect insurance fraud, contact GeorgiaConsumer protection at www.oci.ga.gov/Fraud or call the South Carolina Attorney General at or call the South Carolina Attorney General at 1-888-95-FRAUD or visit www.scag.gov/insurance-fraud.

KRISALLRED

Register now with your county Office of EmergencyManagement if you have special medical needs. Bringat least three days of medical supplies you will needincluding: special food, water, prescriptions, nebulizers,syringes, sterile swabs and oxygen equipment. Important:Special needs shelters do not provide hands-on medicalcare so you may want to bring a caregiver with you. Youcare so you may want to bring a caregiver with you. Youmay need to keep back-up medical items on hand suchas a battery for ventilator and oxygen cylinders (48-hoursupply).

If you require respirators or other electric-dependent medical equipment, youshould make prior medical arrangements with your physician. You should alsoregister with your power company. If you require oxygen or other medical supplies,check with your vendor about emergency plans.

A physician must be notified if you or someone you know needs hospitalization.Keep in mind there are a limited number of resources available during disasterssuch as hurricanes.such as hurricanes.

For home health care and homebound patients, inform your health care providerwhere you will be during a hurricane and ask about their emergency plans.Remember to take medications, written instructions regarding your care, specialequipment and bedding with you if you evacuate.

Those who live alone, or are without the support of family or friends, must takespecial precautions in the event of an emergency situation. People who are frailor disabled (either mentally or physically) may need special assistance from familyor disabled (either mentally or physically) may need special assistance from familymembers, friends or social service agencies. Older adults who are also caregiversmay require outside assistance. Excessive stress and anxiety can contribute toincreased episodes of illness- particularly for persons with heart disease and otherillnesses. If an older adult lives in a nursing home, assisted living facility or boardinghome, the administrator should be contacted to learn about the disaster plan.

If you do not have transportation or are unable to drive, assistance may be available.Each local county offers some type of help to make sure you can get out of theEach local county offers some type of help to make sure you can get out of thestorm’s path. Check with your county’s Office of Emergency Management (phonenumbers are on the map pages of this guide) to find detailed information aboutroutes to assist you in the event of an evacuation.

Video where possible

Avoid flooded areas, high velocity flow areas and areas subject to sudden flooding. Do notattempt to cross roads covered with water.Roads may not be intact under flood waters and the depth of the water is not always obvious.Turn around, don’t drown!If the vehicle stalls, leave it and seek higher ground. Rising water may engulf the vehiclesweeping it away.Use caution at night when it is more difficult to recognize flood dangers.Use caution at night when it is more difficult to recognize flood dangers.Keep children away from high water, storm drains and viaducts.Throw out any food that came in contact with flood waters.Use flashlights (not lanterns, torches or matches) to examine buildings. Flammables may beinside.

KYLEDENNIS

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Georgia Emergency Management http://www.gema.ga.gov

South Carolina Emergency Managementhttp://www.scemd.org/

Chatham County Emergency Managementhttp://www.chathamemergency.org/preparedness/hurricanes.php

Beaufort County Emergency ManagementBeaufort County Emergency Managementhttps://www.bcso.net/emergency-management-division

Bulloch County Emergency Managementhttp://bullochcounty.net/ema/

Jasper County Emergency Managementhttp://www.jaspercountysc.gov/departments/departments-b-h/emergency-services/emergency-management

EEffingham County Emergency Managementhttp://www.effinghamcounty.org/342/Emergency-management

Bryan County Emergency Management http://www.bryancountyga.org/government/departments-a-g/emergency-services/emergency-management

McIntosh County Emergency Managementhttp://www.mcintoshema.com/

Liberty County Emergency Managementhttp://www.libertycountyga.com/department/index.php?structureid=17

Hampton County Emergency Managementhttp://www.hamptoncountysc.org/20/Emergency-Management

WWayne County Emergency Managementhttp://www.waynecountyga.us/department/index.php?structureid=20

Appling County Emergency Managementhttp://www.applingema.com/

Tattnall County Emergency Managementhttps://www.tattnallcountyga.com/

emergency-management-agency

Evans County Emergency ManagementEvans County Emergency Managementhttp://evanscounty.org/departments/ema/