Richardson Housing Group (RHG Homes) is keeping the people of Florida in our thoughts and prayers as Hurricane Irma nears the US mainland. Irma will thankfully weaken to a tropical depression by the time it reaches the north Georgia, but forecasters warn that high wind gusts may knock down trees and cause power outages, particularly to the east of the storm’s center. Here are some things you can do to prepare for the severe weather anticipated early next week.
Stay informed. Even 3 to 4 days out, it is difficult to accurately project a tropical cyclone’s exact path and intensity. Stay tuned to the local news to keep tabs on the storm’s track and potential impacts to your community. For more detailed forecasts, including impacts over a wider area, visit the websites of the Peachtree City office of the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.
Prepare for potential power outages. Assemble a kit with flashlights, extra batteries, and emergency chargers for mobile devices. Collect at least three days of non-perishable food such as canned fruit, soups, chips and crackers, and bottled water. Be sure to fill all prescription medication before Monday. Also think about everyday tasks that require electricity – do you have a manual can opener for canned goods or pet food? visit the Ready Georgia website for additional ideas.
Check on your neighbors. Do you have neighbors that are elderly or infirm? Before the storm hits, pay them a brief visit to make sure they have everything they need in case of a prolonged power outage. If they do not, coordinate with neighbors to get groceries or get prescriptions refilled.
Get involved and give back. Irma has had a devastating effect on islands in the Caribbean and will cause major damage in Florida. Start researching charitable organizations where you can contribute funds to the relief effort. A good place to start is Georgia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), where you can see a list of relief organizations that the state regularly coordinates with.
Richardson Housing Group (RHG Homes) builds new homes in Atlanta. For more information on our new home communities in Gwinnett, Jackson, and DeKalb Counties, including available homes, photos, floorplans, and more, visit us online at www.RHGHomes.com. To keep up-to-date on the latest news and offerings by RHG Homes, check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RHG.homes. You can also catch up with us on Twitter and see footage of our beautiful new homes and communities on YouTube!
Image Source: National Hurricane Center