Hurricane Help - We Want You to Be Prepared!
Editor’s Note (Updated November 2025): With hurricane activity increasing across the Southeast in recent years, preparation is more important than ever. At Ernest Homes, we’re committed to helping families across Savannah, Richmond Hill, Guyton, and Effingham County stay safe and ready during hurricane season. For additional homeowner resources, visit our Ernest Homes Blog.
With another hurricane season underway, all of us at Ernest Homes want to remind you that one of the most important things you can do for your family is to protect them when a major storm approaches coastal Georgia. While the Coastal Empire went nearly 20 years without a mandatory evacuation, recent seasons have shown how quickly conditions can change. By preparing in advance, you’ll give your family peace of mind and ensure everyone knows what to do if an evacuation becomes necessary.
Once you’ve created your plan, write down evacuation routes, meeting points, and responsibilities — and post the information somewhere every family member can access easily. Assign specific tasks to each person and practice the plan at least once each year.
- Select a family meeting place in advance.
If family members must leave in separate vehicles or from different locations, choose a safe reunion spot located inland and outside of projected storm surge zones. Make sure all family members know how to reach the meeting point by at least two alternate routes. Children should memorize the address, the host’s name, and a contact number. A printable family emergency plan like this one can help organize essential information.
- Prepare for limited communication.
Phone service may be disrupted during a storm, so texting is typically more reliable than calling. Keep car chargers in every vehicle and store phones and accessories in watertight bags. Bookmark key weather-alert apps and learn how to use your phone for receiving FM radio alerts by reading this guide.
- Make arrangements for your pets.
Assign one family member to oversee pets. Prepare travel kennels, several days of food, bottled water, medications, and comfort items. Cats should travel with portable litter supplies such as a Jonny Cat Kat Kit. Never leave pets behind during an evacuation. Ensure your designated meeting place — or your backup location — allows pets, or identify safe boarding options with family, veterinarians, or local kennels.
- Keep important documents stored safely.
Gather birth certificates, IDs, insurance policies, passports, Social Security cards, medical records, and prescription information in a waterproof folder. Keep digital copies stored securely as well. Review your homeowners insurance policy annually — you can learn more about new construction features by exploring our floor plans.
- Weatherproof your home before a storm threatens.
If you live in a new Ernest home, features like energy-efficient windows, strong framing, and modern roofing provide additional protection.
Homeowners can also prepare by:
- Installing storm shutters or pre-cut plywood
- Removing yard items (furniture, grills, decorations)
- Reinforcing garage doors (the weakest structural point)
- Trimming dead or loose tree limbs
- Turning off utilities before evacuating
- Prepare your evacuation kit ahead of time.
Assemble food, water, medications, flashlights, first-aid supplies, clothing, chargers, and comfort items using the FEMA list found here. Food suggestions are available here, and water guidelines can be found here. Store everything in waterproof tubs with locking lids.
- Make sure your vehicle is evacuation-ready.
Check tires, fluids, brakes, and battery health weekly during hurricane season. Keep your gas tank at least half full. For a full emergency car kit, see the checklist here.
- Bring entertainment for downtime.
Evacuations may involve long waits. Pack simple games, books, puzzles, coloring items, or cards to help children (and adults) stay calm and occupied.
- Stock more batteries than you think you’ll need.
Flashlights, small fans, radios, toys, and clocks all run on batteries — and they sell out quickly before a storm. Keep a full supply in your kit.
- Stay calm and follow your evacuation plan.
A clear head will help you make smart decisions. Take a deep breath, review your checklist, and follow your family's plan. Preparation is the key to safety.
For additional homeowner resources, evacuation planning tips, or information about our new communities in coastal Georgia, visit our Ernest Homes Communities page or contact our Sales Team.
