Get Ready for Hurricane Season!
Hurricane season is a fact of life in Coastal Georgia, and one of the best ways to protect your family is to prepare before a storm ever appears on the radar. At Ernest Homes, we encourage every homeowner to create a simple, clear evacuation plan that’s easy to follow during stressful moments. A little preparation now gives your family greater peace of mind later. Review the steps below, post your plan in a visible place, and make sure every family member understands their responsibilities.
1. Establish a Family Meeting Location
Choose a safe meeting place outside evacuation zones — somewhere every family member can find, even if you must leave from different locations. Adults and older children should know at least two routes to this destination. Younger children should memorize the address, name of the host or location, and a contact phone number. A printable family emergency sheet like this one can help keep everyone organized.
2. Prepare for Limited Communication
Phone service may become unreliable during a major storm. Text messages use fewer network resources than calls, making them more likely to go through. Keep chargers and backup batteries in all vehicles, and protect your phone in a sealed plastic bag to prevent water damage. To receive FM emergency alerts on many smartphones, review these instructions on enabling FM radio and radio apps: how to use FM radio on your smartphone.
3. Make a Plan for Your Pets
Assign a responsible adult to handle pet evacuation. Each pet should have a carrier, several days of food, and fresh water ready to go. Cats will need a portable litter box such as the Jonny Cat Kat Kit. Never leave pets behind in an evacuated home. Confirm your meeting location — or a backup hotel — accepts pets during emergencies.
4. Organize Important Documents
Store essential documents in a secure, waterproof place. Make digital copies by photographing them and uploading to cloud storage. Include birth certificates, IDs, insurance policies, prescription details, and anything else you may need if you cannot return home immediately.
5. Weatherproof Your Home
Prepare your home before a storm approaches. Install storm shutters or pre-cut wooden window covers for fast protection. Cardboard coverings are a temporary option to help shield interior items from broken glass. Reinforce garage doors, which are often the weakest point in high winds. Trim dead limbs and bring inside any unsecured outdoor items such as furniture, grills, toys, and yard décor.
For more ways we help you protect and care for your new home, visit our Warranty Info page.
6. Assemble an Evacuation Kit
Prepare your kit long before hurricane season begins. Use waterproof bins with locking lids and store them in an easy-to-access location. Ready.gov provides helpful lists for supplies (kit essentials), food, and water recommendations. You may also want to include basic camping items.
7. Keep Your Vehicle Storm-Ready
Maintain your vehicle, keep gas tanks at least half full, and review evacuation routes in advance. A complete emergency car kit checklist is available here.
8. Pack Simple Entertainment
Evacuations often involve long hours of waiting. Add books, cards, puzzles, and board games to your kit to help pass the time without relying on electronic devices.
9. Stock Up on Batteries
Batteries power radios, flashlights, clocks, and children's travel games — and they sell out quickly once a storm is announced. Keep extras on hand.
10. Stay Calm and Follow Your Plan
Clear thinking is one of your most valuable tools during an emergency. Trust your preparation, follow your evacuation plan, and prioritize the safety of your family and pets.
For additional homeowner tips and safety guidance from Ernest Homes, explore the Ernest Homes blog or contact us anytime through our Contact Us page.
