Bryan County
Home Home MenuIn The Moment- What To Do
Be Ready, Bryan County – When Something Happens
Be Ready — Live Incident Guidance
▸Severe Weather in Progress
- Stay Informed
- Monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local alerts. Watch = possible; Warning = happening or imminent.
- Protect Yourself Indoors
- Go to interior rooms away from windows when warnings are issued.
- After the Storm
- Watch for downed lines, debris, and flooding. Check on vulnerable neighbors.
Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
- During
- Follow evacuation orders immediately. Take your go-bag, meds, IDs, and pets; use designated routes; never drive through water.
- If not evacuating, shelter in an interior room away from windows; stay off roads as winds intensify.
- After / Recovery
- Return only when officials say it’s safe. Avoid downed lines, generator CO hazards, and hidden flood risks.
- Document damage (photos/video) and contact insurance before cleanup.
Tornadoes
- During
- Go to a basement or a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level. Protect head/neck with helmets, pillows, or blankets.
- Mobile homes are not safe—move to a sturdy shelter if time allows. Never shelter under an overpass.
- After / Recovery
- Watch for debris, nails, gas leaks, and downed lines. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves.
- Only enter damaged buildings when officials say it’s safe.
- Tornado & Severe Wind Preparedness Guide
Severe Thunderstorms & Lightning
- During
- Move indoors immediately. Stay away from windows; avoid corded electronics and running water.
- Unplug sensitive electronics if time permits; expect potential power outages.
- After / Recovery
- Watch for flash flooding and downed lines; report any fires caused by lightning.
- Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activities.
- Thunderstorms & Lightning Preparedness Guide
Extreme Heat
- During
- Stay in air conditioning when possible; use cooling centers if needed. Hydrate often; avoid alcohol and heavy exertion in peak heat.
- Check on older adults, children, and those with medical conditions; never leave people or pets in cars.
- After / Recovery
- Watch for delayed symptoms of heat illness; seek medical care for confusion, fainting, or high body temperature.
- Rehydrate and rest; resume outdoor work gradually.
- Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide
Winter Weather & Ice
- During
- Avoid travel; roads can become impassable quickly. Layer clothing; conserve indoor heat; keep generators outside (20+ ft from openings).
- Use flashlights, not candles. Keep water running at a trickle to help prevent frozen pipes if advised.
- After / Recovery
- Shovel snow carefully—take breaks to prevent overexertion. Watch for frostbite/hypothermia signs.
- Check food safety after outages; inspect for burst pipes and ice damage.
- Winter Weather Preparedness Guide
▸ Flooding Now
- During
- Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
- Move to higher ground immediately if flooding threatens your area.
- After / Recovery
- Avoid floodwater contact; it may contain debris or contaminants.
- Clean and disinfect items before reuse. Document damage for insurance.
▸ Power Outage
- During
- Use flashlights, not candles. Keep freezers/refrigerators closed to preserve cold temps.
- Never use a generator indoors; place it outside and 20+ ft from doors/windows. Install CO alarms.
- After / Recovery
- Turn on large appliances one at a time to avoid surges. Check food safety (above 40°F for 2+ hrs = discard).
▸ Hazardous Materials Incident
- During
- Go indoors, close windows/doors, turn off HVAC and fans. Go to an interior room and seal gaps if instructed.
- After / Recovery
- Wait for the all-clear from officials. Avoid contact with unknown substances; follow decontamination guidance if exposed.
▸ Wildfire / Outdoor Burning Emergency
- During
- Follow burn bans and evacuation notices. Keep N95 masks for smoke; seal indoors if smoke is heavy.
- After / Recovery
- Watch for hotspots and rekindles. Ventilate your home when outdoor air improves; change HVAC filters as needed.
▸ Active Public Safety Threat
- During
- Run if you can; Hide if you can’t; Fight only as a last resort. Call 911 when safe.
- After / Recovery
- Follow law enforcement instructions for evacuation and reunification; seek support for emotional recovery.
▸ Health Emergencies
- During
- Follow guidance from public health officials (e.g., hygiene, masking, distancing when recommended). Use telehealth if appropriate.
- After / Recovery
- Monitor for ongoing symptoms and follow clinical guidance; check on vulnerable neighbors.
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