Think ahead

Natural and man-made disasters can strike at any time. Ice Storms. Wildfires. Floods. This section helps you learn how to plan, prepare and stay informed when you need it most.

Drought
From 2007 through the first part of 2009, Georgia faced one of the most severe droughts in history. Our rivers and reservoirs were at record lows, and many of our communities faced water shortages that challenged their ability to meet water supply needs.

Explosions
Explosions usually occur suddenly, so it’s important to learn in advance how to respond to an explosion and its aftermath.

Extreme Heat
Temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and last for several weeks are defined as extreme heat. Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In Georgia, it is not unusual for temperatures to soar into the 90s.

Floods and Flash Floods
Floods are the second most common and widespread of all natural disasters, after fire. In Georgia, most communities experience some kind of flooding after spring rains or heavy thunderstorms.

House Fires
Each year, household fires cause more than 4,000 Americans deaths and more than 25,000 injuries. Many residential fire-related deaths remain preventable through planning and proper response.

Hurricanes
As a coastal state, Georgia is particularly at risk for hurricanes. Storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico have the potential to affect our state. Every resident should plan what to do in the event of an evacuation.

Influenza Pandemic
An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population. The virus begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.

Public Health Disasters
Public Health disasters can strike at any time. Chemical threats. Biological threats. Ebola. Learn how to plan, prepare and stay informed to help protect yourself and your family.

Terrorism
Terrorism is a deliberate use of violence against civilians for political or religious means. Each day, terrorists may be working to obtain chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive weapons.

Thunderstorms and Lightning
All thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes.

Tornadoes
Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. They can appear without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears. Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival.

Wildfires
More and more people are making their homes in wooded settings near forests and remote mountains sites. There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment, but face the very real danger of wildfires.

Winter Advisories and Ice Storms
While the danger from winter weather varies across the state, most Georgians are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives.