• In March, we watched in horror as a 30 foot tsunami spawned by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake destroyed everything in its path in Japan.
• On April 27, a tornado tore through Ringgold Ga., where an entire family of 4 lost their lives in just one home. Documents and photos from their home were found 110 miles away in Tennessee.
• Night after night newscasters kept us informed as the Mississippi River swelled over its banks flooding homes and farmland as it made its way downstream. Earthen levies constructed decades ago failed and flood gates had to be opened to relieve flood waters only to flood family farms.
• The month of May brought record strength tornados in Missouri. The town of Joplin was almost entirely destroyed in a matter of minutes.
• Severe weather continues to occur around us as we approach the 2011 season. Just this week as severe weather passed passed through Atlanta, 2 women were killed in their car by a falling tree.

All of these things make us very concerned about the approaching hurricane season. As most know, hurricanes draw energy from the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The longer the storm is over warm water the more likely it is to intensify into a major storm. Early indications this year show that the waters of the Atlantic are warmer than usual for this time of the year and those warm waters extend far into the Gulf of Mexico. These factors could cause hurricanes to travel further west before taking their normal turn to the north and east. Storms that travel farther west before they make their turn northeast could have major impacts to Camden County. In 2004, Hurricanes Jeanne and Frances both caused major damage to roads and infrastructure in Camden. Both of these storms traveled far west into Florida before turning northeast and striking our area from the west. The combined destruction of those storms caused enough significant damage to qualify us for FEMA disaster relief funding.

The coast of Georgia has been fortunate for a very long time. It's been more than 100 years since a major hurricane has made landfall on our coast. The last hurricane to directly impact Camden County was in 1898 and was a major category 4 storm.

Each year someone will ask me what I think of the forecast for the upcoming season. My answer is always the same, and that is; If we have a record number of hurricanes and none of those impact Camden County, then I consider that a good year. However, if there is only one storm for the entire year and that storm devastates our community then I would consider that a very bad year. It only takes one major weather event, such as those we have witnessed in recent weeks, to severely change our lives forever.

"My advice has always been the same," said Mark Crews, EMA Director, "and that is, always be prepared."

The emergency preparedness measures that you take in preparing for any severe weather event will greatly increases your family's chances for survival.

Everyone should have an emergency suppliy kit that contains items that would help you to be self-reliant for an extended period of time. In addition to the normal necessities of food and water, you should have items that are specific to you and your needs. Comfortable clothes and shoes, prescription medications, and extra eye glasses are all examples of specific personal items. Additionally you should consider having cash, copies of important documents, paper maps, toiletries, tools and even games for the kids.

Personal preparedness is everyone's responsibility. The better prepared we are as individuals increases our chances of survival and enables us to assist others.

5 Events over 100 Years - None of these were considered major hurricanes:

Coastal Georgia Hurricanes 1800 - 1899

17 Events over 100 Years - 6 of these were considered major hurricanes:

• Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit
• Gather emergency supplies including: emergency medications, nonperishable foods, a non-electric can opener, bottled water (at least one gallon per day per person), a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, extra clothes, important documents, cash and credit cards, a first aid kit and other items for infants, elderly, disabled family members, and/or pets
• Store supplies in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container, such as plastic tub with handles
• Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan
• Identify an evacuation route ahead of time; discuss with family members
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately
• In case of evacuation to an American Red Cross shelter, be sure to bring the disaster supplies kit, medications, extra clothing, pillows and blankets and other hygiene and comfort supplies
• Make advance preparations for pets so you can bring them with you when you leave, but remember, due to health department regulations, pets aren't allowed in most public shelters

Several factors make evacuation difficult for Camden County residents. Interstate 95 is usually congested with the flow of traffic coming out of Florida. As the first Georgia county along Interstate 95 northbound, many Florida storm evacuees tend to stop in Camden County. Some stop for gas and food, some stop for lodging and others get off the interstate looking for alternate routes. This additional traffic on local roadways makes our evacuation more congested.
 
Camden County's evacuations are also hindered by the limited number of routes leading out of the County. Because the majority of Camden's population base is in the southern portion of the County, most people will attempt to use Highway 40 as their route west. There are, however, several other routes that you can take north, south and west from Camden County.
 
Interstate 95 / Ga. 405
Runs north and south through Camden County and can be taken north into Glynn County and points beyond, and south into Florida.
 
Highway 40
Runs west from St. Marys into Charlton County.

• Take blankets and sleeping bags to the shelter.
• Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going.
• Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.
• Leave as soon as possible - avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
• Lock up home and leave.

When choosing an evacuation route, consider these points:

• Keep a road map in your car. GPS units only work when you have a specific destination to which you are traveling. They may not work as well when you have no set destination.
• Traveling north or south out of the county may lead to less traveled secondary roads.
• Secondary roads that may be less known, may also be less traveled.
• Listen to radio information about possible road closures due to congestion or flooding.