The United States’s southeastern part is known for its hurricanes, and Atlanta is no exception. Georgia’s capital city experiences an average of one hurricane every three years. While most of these storms do not cause significant damage, they can still disrupt your life and cause power outages, road closures, and other problems.

It is important to be prepared for natural disasters if you live in Atlanta. Read on to learn more about the types of disasters that can occur in the city and how to prepare for them.

Types of Disasters in Atlanta

The most common type of disaster in Atlanta is a hurricane. However, the city can also experience tornadoes, thunderstorms, flash floods, and winter storms.

From 1950 to 2019, there have been 26 named storms that hit within 100 miles of Atlanta. In 2018, Hurricane Michael caused an estimated $25.1 billion in damage in Georgia, making it the most expensive hurricane in state history.

While Atlanta has a low risk of wildfires, the city is not immune to fires caused by lightning strikes or other natural causes. In 2019, an Atlanta house was set on fire when lightning struck a nearby power pole during afternoon thunderstorms. The destruction also caused a power outage in the said house.

This means that if you live in Atlanta, you most likely need water or fire damage restoration services.

Moreover, Atlanta has an average of 48 days yearly with below freezing points and 2.9 inches of snow per year. The last time the city received a foot of snow was in 2011. While winter storms are not as common as other disasters, you should still be prepared for them. Be sure you have sufficient food and water to last for several days and warm clothing and blankets during a power outage.

In early 2022, a dangerous wind storm with high winds and ice struck the southeastern part of the United States, including Georgia. The devastation caused power outages and traffic accidents.

How to Prepare for Natural Disasters

• The best way to prepare for any disaster is to have a plan. Think about what you will do in the event of a power outage, road closure, or other emergencies.
• Have an emergency kit ready. This should include food, water, flashlights, and first-aid supplies.
• Learn the different types of disasters in your area and how to stay safe during each one.
• Know the evacuation routes in your neighborhood and plan ahead for where you will go if you need to evacuate your home.
• If a disaster occurs, follow the instructions of local officials and do not try to return to your house until it is safe to do so.
• Have a backup plan for communication if your cell phone service is down.
• It is also crucial to stay informed about the weather and any potential threats. The National Weather Service issues watches and warnings for hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe weather events. Be sure to monitor their website or app so that you can be prepared if a disaster does strike.
• Know your local fire department’s emergency contact number, as well as the police, restoration companies, and other government and non-government organizations that help during disasters.
• Check with your homeowners insurance if it covers natural disasters, such as water damage restoration. Otherwise, you might want to consider buying a separate policy, like flood insurance.

In Conclusion

Living in Atlanta, GA, can be great, but it’s important to be prepared for natural disasters. You can minimize the impact of these events by being prepared. Familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that can occur in the area and make sure you have a plan in place.

Stay informed about the weather, and have an emergency kit ready. And finally, know your local resources so that you can get help if a disaster does occur. For damage restoration Atlanta services, look for reputable and experienced professionals.