National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 3-9
Wednesday, May 6th, 2026
Hurricane season is rapidly approaching, so Lowndes County is encouraging all residents to start preparing now. Lowndes County Emergency Management, along with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), the National Weather Service (NWS), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are promoting National Hurricane Preparedness Week from May 3-9, 2026.
“We never know for sure how much of an impact hurricane season will have,” said Ashley Tye, Director of Lowndes County Emergency Management. “We encourage all Lowndes County residents to take part in this year’s National Hurricane Preparedness Week so that we know how to protect our families and properties regardless of what storms lie ahead.”
Each day of Hurricane Preparedness Week will provide information and activities that will prepare Lowndes County residents ahead of inclement weather. The agenda for the week is as follows:
- Sunday, May 3: Know Your Risk: Wind & Water – Find out what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Know if you live in an area prone to flooding, if you live in an evacuation zone, and identify any structural weaknesses in your home.
- Monday, May 4: Prepare Before Hurricane Season – Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it’s too late. Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
- Tuesday, May 5: Understand Forecast Information – Prepare for hurricane season by knowing how to understand forecasts. They can tell you a lot about what is expected, including the storm’s paths, rainfall amounts, wind speeds, and more.
- Wednesday, May 6: Get Moving When a Storm Threatens – Do you know what to do when a storm threatens? Prepare for hurricane season by taking the time now to understand the actions needed when time is of the essence.
- Thursday, May 7: Stay Protected During Storms – Be prepared for hurricane season by knowing what to do during a storm. Whether you’ve evacuated or are sheltering in place, know what to expect from the hazards you may face. Remain vigilant, stay up to date with the latest forecasts and alerts, and continue to listen to local officials.
- Friday, May 8: Use Caution After Storms – A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm. This is NOT the time to put your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.
- Saturday, May 9: Take Action Today – Take action TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you understand how to interpret forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm.
For more information on how to prepare for hurricanes, visit gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia and noaa.gov/hurricane-prep .
