Hurricane Preparedness in the Golden Isles: Local Family Guide

Living in coastal Georgia comes with beautiful beaches, warm weather, and island life. But it also means being prepared for hurricane season.

Whether you're on St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, in Brunswick, or elsewhere in Glynn County, having a hurricane plan before a storm approaches can make all the difference.

We've put together this Golden Isles hurricane preparedness guide with our favorite local resources, hurricane supply recommendations, home preparation tips, and information to help families plan for an evacuation.

Because the last thing you want to do when a hurricane is heading toward the Georgia coast is fight everyone else at the grocery store for the last pack of batteries. Speaking from experience!

Important: This article is a preparedness resource, not a live emergency alert service. During a storm, always follow instructions from Glynn County Emergency Management, the National Hurricane Center, and other authorized emergency officials. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

Golden Isles Hurricane Updates & Emergency Resources

If a hurricane or tropical storm is threatening the Golden Isles, these are the first websites and resources we recommend checking.

Bookmark them now so you aren't searching for information when a storm approaches!

Glynn County Emergency Management Agency

This is one of the most important local resources to follow during hurricane season.

Glynn County Emergency Management provides information about hurricane preparedness, evacuation procedures, local emergency conditions, and recovery.

The agency's social media updates can also be helpful during and after a hurricane, especially when residents are waiting for information about returning to the islands.

Follow Glynn County Emergency Management on Facebook

Glynn County CodeRED Emergency Alerts

Register for CodeRED to receive time-sensitive emergency notifications specific to Glynn County.

Depending on the emergency, notifications may include evacuation orders, severe weather alerts, and other important public safety information.

We highly recommend registering before hurricane season and making sure your contact information is up to date.

Glynn County Emergency Management Dashboard & Storm Resources

The Glynn County Emergency Management Dashboard is another incredibly useful resource for local families.

It provides access to information such as:

• Evacuation zones and routes.
• Emergency facilities and shelter information when available.
• Weather warnings and advisories.
• Storm surge information.
• Power outages and storm damage.

The Golden Isles storm resources page links to the county dashboard and additional local emergency information.

Access Golden Isles Storm Updates & Dashboard Resources

National Hurricane Center

The National Hurricane Center provides official tropical storm and hurricane forecasts, watches, warnings, and storm tracking information.

It's important to remember that the forecast cone shows uncertainty in the storm's center track, not the full area that could experience dangerous weather.

National Weather Service Jacksonville

The National Weather Service office in Jacksonville provides local weather forecasts and warnings for the Brunswick and coastal Glynn County area.

Local forecasts are especially important because dangerous wind, rain, and flooding can extend well beyond a hurricane's projected path.

Georgia Power Outage Updates

Georgia Power provides information about power outages and estimated restoration times.

If you're a Georgia Power customer, make sure your contact information is current so you can receive outage notifications.

Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water & Sewer Commission

The Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water & Sewer Commission is an important resource for water and sewer service updates, including boil-water advisories when applicable.

Water service can be affected by severe weather, flooding, and power outages, so this is another website worth bookmarking.

Mike's Weather Page

If you've spent any time in coastal Southeast Georgia or Florida during hurricane season, chances are someone has shared Mike's Weather Page with you!

Mike has built a huge following by sharing tropical weather information, forecast models, and updates with a healthy dose of humor.

We love that his posts are approachable and often help make complicated weather information easier to understand.

His website, Facebook, and Instagram pages are popular places to follow Atlantic hurricane activity.

Just remember that Mike's Weather Page is an additional weather resource, not a replacement for official forecasts or evacuation instructions.

Mike's Weather Page Website

Mike's Weather Page on Facebook

Mike's Weather Page on Instagram

Georgia 511 Traffic & Road Conditions

If you're preparing to evacuate or return after a hurricane, Georgia 511 is a helpful resource for road conditions, closures, and traffic information.

Never assume a bridge or causeway is open simply because the weather has improved.

When Is Hurricane Season in the Golden Isles?

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30 each year, with September typically being one of the most active months.

During the warmer months, afternoon thunderstorms are also a regular part of life in coastal Georgia. They often roll through quickly, sometimes bringing welcome relief from the humidity.

If you don't already have them, buy rain jackets for the family. We promise they'll get used!

Unlike a typical afternoon thunderstorm, tropical storms and hurricanes can bring dangerous storm surge, flooding, strong winds, tornadoes, and extended power outages.

Although some tropical systems can be monitored well in advance, their intensity, path, and local impacts can change quickly. Don't assume you'll always have several days to make decisions.

That's why we recommend preparing before hurricane season and following official forecasts whenever a storm develops.

Golden Isles Hurricane Supply Checklist for Families

It's best practice to keep a hurricane kit stocked with the supplies your family might need during an emergency.

Every May, pull out your hurricane kit, check the batteries, replace expired supplies, and make sure you have everything you need.

Trust us, you don't want to be standing in line at the store with everyone else the day before a storm arrives.

Southern Living's Hurricane Preparedness Resources are another helpful place to find supply lists and planning ideas.

Here are the essentials we'd recommend, along with some extras we've learned are worth having.

Food, Water & Kitchen Essentials

• Drinking water: Plan for at least one gallon per person per day for several days, with extra water for pets, hot weather, and special needs.
• Nonperishable food: Keep easy meals that don't require refrigeration or cooking.
• Extra snacks: Add way more food and snacks than you think you'll need, especially if you have kids.
• Manual can opener: Don't overlook this one if your pantry is full of canned goods.
• Coolers and ice packs: Helpful for keeping essential food and medications cold when appropriate.
• Pet food and water: Don't forget the furry family members.
• Paper products: Paper towels, disposable plates, and utensils can be useful if water service is interrupted.

Battery-Powered Lanterns

A battery-powered lantern is one of our favorite hurricane supplies. They're useful for lighting entire rooms during power outages and much safer than relying on open flames.

Keep several around the house so everyone isn't fighting over the same flashlight.

Battery-Powered Fans

Trust us on this one: get at least one battery-powered fan!

When the power goes out during the summer in coastal Georgia, the heat and humidity can make sleeping miserable.

A battery-powered fan can make a huge difference, especially if you have little ones.

Battery-Powered Candles

Battery-powered candles are a great alternative to traditional candles, especially when you have kids or pets running around.

They provide a little extra light without the fire risk associated with open flames.

Portable Power Banks

Portable power banks are essential for keeping your phone and other small devices charged when the electricity goes out.

We recommend having at least one with a capacity of 10,000 mAh, although families with multiple devices may benefit from larger or additional power banks.

Be sure to fully charge them before a storm arrives!

Weather Radio, Flashlights & Batteries

Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio available in case electricity and cellular service are interrupted.

You'll also want flashlights and extra batteries.

Glynn County's emergency radio system uses 104.9 FM for local emergency information.

Games & Activities for Kids

Don't underestimate the value of keeping kids entertained during a power outage.

We recommend having:

• Cards and board games for kids and adults.
• Coloring books and crayons.
• Books and small toys.
• Downloaded movies and shows.
• Charged tablets and headphones.
• Favorite stuffed animals and comfort items.

And maybe a few extra treats to keep everyone happy!

Cash & Important Documents

Keep some cash in small bills in case ATMs and credit card machines aren't working.

You'll also want copies of important documents, including identification, insurance policies, medical information, and emergency contacts.

Store them in a waterproof, portable container and keep secure digital backups.

Adult Beverages (And Plenty of Water!)

Our original hurricane supply list included water and adult beverages because, well, being cooped up in the heat with no air conditioning and a house full of kids can test anyone's patience.

Just make sure drinking water, medications, and essential supplies come first. You'll also want to stay alert and able to respond to changing emergency conditions.

Preparing for Hurricane Power Outages in the Golden Isles

Power outages are one of the most common challenges families face during tropical storms and hurricanes.

When Hurricane Idalia came through, we lost power for approximately 24 hours.

Even one day without electricity can be a challenge when you're trying to keep food cold, charge phones, and survive coastal Georgia's heat and humidity.

Should You Buy a Generator?

A generator can be a worthwhile investment if you live in an area where power outages are a concern.

Even a smaller generator capable of safely powering essential appliances can be helpful during an extended outage.

However, generator safety is incredibly important.

• Never operate a portable generator inside your home, garage, carport, or enclosed porch.
• Operate portable generators outdoors at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, with exhaust directed away from the home.
• Install working carbon monoxide detectors.
• Never connect a generator directly to a household outlet.
• Use properly rated equipment and have any transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for refueling, operation, and storage.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal. If someone develops symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion, move to fresh air and seek emergency assistance immediately.

How Long Will Food Last Without Power?

According to federal food safety guidance, a refrigerator generally keeps food cold for approximately four hours during a power outage if the door remains closed.

A full freezer may keep food frozen for approximately 48 hours, while a half-full freezer may maintain temperatures for about 24 hours, provided the door stays closed.

Use appliance thermometers when possible, and discard perishable food that has been held at unsafe temperatures.

Review FoodSafety.gov's Power Outage Food Safety Guide

Freeze Water Bottles Before a Storm

One of our original hurricane tips is to put water bottles in the freezer a day or two before the storm.

They can help keep the freezer cold longer and can also be used in a cooler if needed.

Just leave room for expansion if you're freezing filled bottles.

How to Prepare Your Golden Isles Home for a Hurricane

Protecting your home before a hurricane is just as important as preparing your family's emergency supplies.

Here are several things we recommend taking care of before a storm threatens the Golden Isles.

Protect Your Windows

Consider approved hurricane shutters or properly designed window protection suitable for your home.

If you're planning to use plywood protection, measure your windows ahead of time and consult reliable installation guidance so the material and fasteners are appropriate.

Home improvement stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot may offer wood-cutting services, but cutting boards to size alone does not guarantee adequate storm protection.

Store Important Documents in a Weatherproof Safe

Keep important documents, photo albums, insurance policies, and other irreplaceable items protected from water damage.

A waterproof and fire-resistant document safe or portable waterproof container is a smart investment.

We previously suggested using a dishwasher as a temporary place to store documents, but we no longer recommend relying on that approach. Dishwashers are not designed to protect valuables during flooding.

Protect Your Electronics With Surge Protectors

Surge protectors can help protect electronics from certain electrical surges, although they cannot guarantee protection against a direct lightning strike or every storm-related electrical event.

Unplug nonessential electronics before a storm when it's safe to do so.

And make sure there aren't any power strips or chargers sitting on the floor where floodwater could reach them.

Secure Outdoor Items

Bring patio furniture, umbrellas, toys, grills, flowerpots, and other loose items inside or secure them appropriately before strong winds arrive.

Anything left outside could become a dangerous projectile during a hurricane.

Prepare for Water Service Interruptions

Store enough drinking water for your family and additional water for basic sanitation.

Filling a clean bathtub with non-drinking water may be helpful for flushing toilets if water service is interrupted, but keep young children away from stored water.

Know where your home's main water shutoff valve is located. Follow instructions from local authorities, your utility, or a qualified professional about whether it should be turned off for your situation.

Learn How to Manually Open Your Garage Door

This is one of those hurricane preparation tips that's easy to overlook!

If your garage door opener relies on electricity, make sure you know how to operate the door manually if the power goes out.

Read your opener's instructions and practice the process under safe conditions before a storm.

Never disengage an opener if the garage door is damaged, partially open, or has a broken spring or cable.

Take a Home Inventory

This is critical for post-storm recovery if your home or belongings are damaged.

Walk through each room and take photos or videos of furniture, electronics, appliances, and other valuable items.

Store copies securely online or somewhere outside your home so they're accessible if you need to file an insurance claim.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Before hurricane season, review your homeowners or renters insurance policy and understand your deductibles and exclusions.

Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flooding, so consider whether separate flood insurance is appropriate for your property.

Flood insurance policies often have waiting periods before coverage begins, so don't wait until a storm is approaching to review your options.

Golden Isles Hurricane Evacuation: What Families Should Know

One of the biggest decisions families may face during hurricane season is whether they need to evacuate.

If you live on St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, or in a low-lying area of Brunswick or Glynn County, it's especially important to understand your local storm surge and evacuation risks.

Our coastal Georgia communities have historically avoided many direct hurricane hits, but that doesn't mean we're immune to dangerous conditions.

Storm surge, flooding, and strong winds can affect our area even when a hurricane makes landfall somewhere else.

Know Your Glynn County Evacuation Zone

Evacuation instructions may be issued for specific areas depending on the storm and expected hazards.

Don't assume everyone in the Golden Isles will receive the same instructions at the same time.

Use official county information to identify your evacuation risk and follow any voluntary or mandatory evacuation instructions that apply to your address.

Glynn County Evacuation Information & Zone Resources

Golden Isles Storm Updates & Evacuation Map Resources

Should You Leave Before a Mandatory Evacuation?

Every family's circumstances are different.

If you have young children, older relatives, pets, medical needs, or concerns about prolonged power outages, leaving before conditions deteriorate may be worth considering.

However, your destination also needs to be safe from the storm's expected impacts.

Always follow official evacuation orders. Emergency services may be unavailable or unable to reach people in hazardous conditions.

Consider Booking an Evacuation Hotel Early

One of our original recommendations was to be proactive about finding a hotel if a hurricane might threaten the Golden Isles.

Hotel rooms can fill quickly when coastal communities begin evacuating.

If you're concerned about power outages or traveling with children, elderly relatives, or pets, researching possible hotels ahead of time can make the process much less stressful.

We previously suggested looking west of I-95 to get farther from the coast. That may be a starting point for researching destinations, but being west of I-95 does not automatically mean an area is safe.

Choose your destination based on the actual forecast, flooding risk, and official guidance.

Also, don't assume hotels will waive cancellation fees because of a hurricane. Look for flexible or refundable rates and confirm the hotel's policies before booking.

Bring Your Pets

Don't forget your furry family members!

Prepare a pet evacuation kit with food, water, medications, vaccination records, identification, leashes, carriers, and cleanup supplies.

Some hotels and rental properties accept pets, but policies vary. Confirm pet accommodations before you leave.

Be Flexible: Hurricane Plans Can Change

One of the biggest lessons from living in a coastal community is that hurricane plans can change quickly.

Storms can strengthen, weaken, shift direction, or create unexpected impacts.

Be prepared to go with the flow while continuing to follow official emergency guidance.

And don't assume you'll be able to return home immediately after the storm passes.

What to Do During a Hurricane

If your home is an appropriate place to shelter and local officials have not instructed you to evacuate, continue monitoring official emergency information.

• Stay indoors and away from windows.
• Keep your emergency supplies nearby.
• Monitor official warnings and instructions.
• Use flashlights or battery-powered lights instead of candles.
• Never walk or drive through floodwater.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Never go outside during the eye of a hurricane; dangerous winds can return suddenly.
• If flooding threatens your home, move to a safer location according to official guidance.

Remember that the safest place to shelter depends on the specific hazards. A lower interior room may offer protection from wind, but it may be unsafe if flooding or storm surge is expected.

Returning to the Golden Isles After a Hurricane

Even after the storm has passed, it may not be safe to return to your home right away.

One of the things we've learned about evacuating the Golden Isles is that returning isn't always as simple as driving back the next morning.

Local agencies may need time to inspect roads, bridges, utilities, and neighborhoods for hazards such as fallen trees, downed power lines, flooding, and debris.

Reentry may also occur in phases or by designated areas.

Always wait for official reentry instructions before returning.

Before You Head Home

• Check Glynn County Emergency Management announcements.
• Confirm that roads, bridges, and causeways are open.
• Review power outage and water service information.
• Bring food, drinking water, medications, and other essentials.
• Keep your vehicle fueled.
• Have a backup place to stay if your home is inaccessible or unsafe.

When You Arrive Home

• Stay away from downed electrical lines.
• Watch for flooding and damaged structures.
• Follow boil-water advisories and other utility instructions.
• Take photos of damage before cleanup when safe.
• Contact your insurance provider if necessary.
• Do not enter buildings with significant structural damage until they have been assessed.

Our Golden Isles Hurricane Preparation Timeline

April & May: Before Hurricane Season

• Check hurricane supplies and batteries.
• Review your evacuation plan.
• Register for CodeRED alerts.
• Check insurance policies.
• Take updated home inventory photos.
• Test weather radios, flashlights, and other equipment.
• Make sure you know how to operate your garage door manually.

When a Storm Could Threaten the Golden Isles

• Monitor the National Hurricane Center and local emergency officials.
• Review your evacuation destination and routes.
• Charge power banks, phones, and tablets.
• Fill your vehicle with fuel.
• Refill essential prescriptions.
• Freeze water bottles and prepare coolers.
• Bring outdoor items inside when safe.
• Pack important documents and emergency bags.

When Evacuation Orders Are Issued

• Follow official instructions for your location.
• Leave promptly when directed.
• Bring children, pets, medications, documents, and emergency supplies.
• Monitor road conditions and approved evacuation routes.
• Let a trusted family member know where you're going.

Stay Safe and Prepared, Golden Isles!

Hurricane season is part of living along the beautiful Georgia coast, but a little preparation can go a long way toward protecting your family and making a stressful situation more manageable.

Get your hurricane supplies together early, know your evacuation options, and make sure you're following reliable local resources.

Remember that hurricanes have a mind of their own. Even with all the advances in storm forecasting, conditions can change quickly.

It's always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

Stay safe, Golden Isles!

St. SiMoms provides this article for general educational purposes. For current weather warnings, evacuation orders, road closures, and emergency instructions, always rely on official local, state, and federal authorities.