U.S. Senators, Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, urge Georgia residents to take precautions and to take advantage of available resources during this hurricane season, which began June 1 and will end November 30.

A critical disaster aid legislation, to be approved by the U.S. House of Representative, passed the Senate overwhelmingly 85-8. This funding will aid Georgians affected by Hurricane Michael last year.

“As hurricane season begins, I urge all Georgians to be vigilant and take advantage of the many available resources to prepare for potential storms,” Isakson said in a press release. “As we learned from Hurricane Michael last fall, preparedness can save lives. Please stay alert and heed the advice of state and local officials as hurricane season approaches.”

Isakson and Perdue have fought for months to secure disaster funding for those affected by hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters.

“Eight months ago, Hurricane Michael tore through Southwest Georgia and reminded us how important it is to prepare for the impact and aftermath of a dangerous storm,” Perdue said. “Going forward, Congress must leave politics out of disaster relief and move swiftly to provide assistance in a timely manner. When disaster strikes, time is of the essence, and the American people need to know we have their backs.”

The senators shared the following resources for Georgians who are preparing for the 2019 hurricane season:

·       Download the Ready Georgia app for weather alerts and emergency preparedness tips.

·       View up-to-date emergency declarations from Governor Brian Kemp here.

·       View updates from Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency here.

·       Follow Georgia 511 for real-time traffic information.

·       Learn what to do before, during, and after a flood here.

·       Call your local non-emergency police line to report a downed tree in a main road.

·       Report power outages by contacting your power provider.

Sarah Smith, The George-Anne News Editor, ganewsed@georgiasouthern.edu