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Be ready for the next hurricane
Carter Infinger
Carter Infinger is the current chairman of the Bryan County Commission.

Carter Infinger

Chairman Bryan County Commission

The sunsets this time of year are spectacular. The pink and red hues are intensified by dust that blows in from Africa’s Sahara desert. The same winds are what stir up hurricanes in the Atlantic each year. Typically, we see the worst chances of damage from storms beginning at the end of August through early November. 

Hurricane Matthew pushed along Georgia’s shores on October 7-8, 2016, Hurricane Irma went up the western side of Bryan County on September 12-13, 2017, and we had threats from Ida, Florence, Michael, and Dorian since. Those storms did not directly hit us, but some left a lot of wind and storm surge damage in their wake. We have been fortunate on the Georgia coast to avoid any direct hits since 1979.

While we have been lucky in the past, hurricanes and their paths are unpredictable; but at least we typically get a lot of warning when one is approaching. Now is the time to get ready for those potential threats. Ready.gov has a lot of good information that can help you to prepare for hurricanes or any other kind of emergencies, but there are a few tips to know to prepare for a hurricane here in Bryan County.

1) Sign up for CodeRed. Bryan County will send out notifications and important information about incoming storms or recovery through text or phone calls through CodeRed. It’s free to sign up.

2) Check the Bryan County website, Facebook, Instragram, Twitter, and Nextdoor for the most up to date information. When Bryan County has new information, the website and social media will be the first place to check for accurate information.

3) Check to see if your insurance is enough to cover you. For the Richmond Hill area especially, storm surge and flooding can be a real risk. Flood insurance is available to cover the possibility of water damage because typical property insurance does not include coverage for flooding.

4) If an evacuation is ordered, know that Bryan County has two zones. Zone A is everything south of Fort Stewart including Richmond Hill. The evacuation route is Hwy 144. Zone B is everything north of Fort Stewart including Pembroke.

5) If you do not have a way to evacuate, including those with functional, access, or medical needs, please sign up for the Hurricane Registry that is maintained by the Coastal Georgia Department of Public Health. Call 1-833-CHD-REGISTER to sign up.

Living on the coast definitely has some of the greatest benefits, but can also pose some real dangers. Be prepared for any that might come our way. I thank you for your confidence in me as Chairman as we take care of our community together.

Infinger is chairman of the Bryan County Commission.

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