By: Jon Hardwick

September 17, 2003

Hurricane Season officially began June 1st, but the part of the season, which traditionally The Glynn County Fire Department focuses on, is now upon us.  It is the part of the season that produces the most, and deadliest hurricanes.

In the spring a few storms produced some strong winds and heavy rainfall, which caused damage, but it is the months of September and October, which prove to be the months to watch.

Glynn County Fire Chief, Carl Johnson says that evacuation orders are backed by state and local laws and should not be ignored.  If you do not evacuate, you are on your own.  Local government policy does not require county or city employees to endanger themselves because someone refused to evacuate.  If you are injured, help may not be forthcoming and even if help is available, the route to your home may be impassable.

If you go to a hurricane shelter, you should register everyone in your group as soon as you arrive.  Do not take weapons or alcoholic beverages with you—they will not be allowed.  After the hurricane passes, do not return home until authorities say it safe to do so.  As you return, be aware of downed power lines, excessive debris and areas that still may be flooded.  Snakes and poisonous insects will also seek higher ground.

The Glynn County Fire Department feels that Hurricanes should not be taken lightly.  As emergency personnel, we want to help, but it takes everyone’s cooperation to be ready.  Officers who are on the ball in Coastal Georgia have reviewed their department guidelines and SOPs and stay up on department policy.

According to local newspapers, the 2003 hurricane season may have more storms than an earlier prediction; with an above-average chance a hurricane will reach the United States, according to forecaster William Gray.  Gray’s team has predicted 14 named storms and eight hurricanes, twice as many as last year.