In Case of Emergency

The 2024 hurricane season is in full swing, bringing the potential for damaging winds and flooding to Georgia — in both coastal and noncoastal areas. September and October are peak months for storm activity.

“Experience has shown us hurricanes are not just a coastal problem in Georgia. High wind, flooding and even tornadoes can happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall,” said Brad Adcock, director of safety for Walton EMC, parent company of Walton Gas. “No matter where you live in the state, it makes sense to be prepared.”

High wind, flooding and even tornadoes can happen far inland

from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall.

September is National Preparedness Month, a good time for Walton Gas customers to heed Adcock’s advice. During a prolonged power outage or other weather-related emergency, this means having enough food, water and other supplies to last at least a few days.

“Even at a modest level, preparation can help reduce stress and anxiety and lessen the impact of an emergency event,” Adcock said.

Power of preparation

Taking time to prepare now can give you peace of mind if a weather-related disaster or emergency occurs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends taking these steps to be better prepared in the event of an emergency:

Assemble an emergency supply kit. Include items like nonperishable food, water (1 gallon per person, per day), formula and diapers for babies, batteries, flashlights, prescription medications, first-aid kit, battery-powered radio and phone chargers. Add supplies for your pets, too. Use this checklist to assemble your kit.

Create a household evacuation plan. Learn the types of disasters that are likely in your community and the local emergency, evacuation and shelter plans for each specific disaster. Whether it’s the home of a friend or family member or a pre-designated shelter, know your evacuation destination. If needed, identify a place to stay that will accept pets. Most public shelters allow only service animals.

Plan for medically fragile family members. Refill prescriptions and have medicine on hand. Have an available cooler and ice for refrigerated medicines. Those reliant on in-home, electricity-dependent medical equipment should have a backup power option. Read: Plan for Medically Fragile Patients

Develop an emergency communication plan with family and friends (via text, social media or messaging app) to stay in touch during and after a storm. Make sure to store important phone numbers somewhere besides just your cell phone. Use this plan template.

Microchip your pets and keep the contact information updated.

Have extra cash available. During a power outage, electronic card readers and cash machines may not work.

Store important documents (birth certificates, passports, property deeds, etc.) in a safe place away from home (for example, a bank safe deposit box).

Sign up for emergency alerts. When emergencies strike, public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you via messages to your mobile device. Use this guide to receive alerts from local, state and federal officials when severe storms are forecasted.

Consider investing in a generator. Now, before you need it, is the time to shop around for a generator that can provide comfort, security and convenience in the event of an extended power outage. Walton Gas customers can take advantage of existing gas service to operate a home standby generator should an electrical system disruption occur. A standby generator can power everything in your home at once, including critical hard-wired systems like air conditioning, heat, sump pumps, well pumps, security systems and large appliances.