Hurricane Preparedness Week started on Sunday as a way to prepare for the potential of a land-falling tropical storm or hurricane. Obviously, most of the focus for this week will be along the coast, which is going to get the brunt force of any type of hurricane or tropical storm.

As far inland as Troup County is, it’s rare when any kind of tropical system has any steam left when it makes its way this far north.

But, then again, we had two tropical storms (Irma and Nate) make their way through this area last year.  

We wrote stories on evacuees from Irma, who made their way to Troup County as a way to try to avoid the storm. Instead, the storm’s path turned this direction, and most of those evacuees were forced to find another safe place to wait out the storm.

It could be some time before this area sees a storm like Irma again. Thankfully there wasn’t much damage, other than some power line issues and trees down.

Regardless of our inland location, this week is a chance to prepare — just in case, but we’re not just talking about hurricanes. The official hurricane season starts June 1, but we’re also in the midst of the South’s prime tornado season. With Mother Nature, you just never know what’s going to happen.

As we’re written about with fire safety in the past, the most important thing is to have a plan. Know what you’re going to do if a severe storm — tornado or hurricane — comes this way. Have a way to get weather information, like from the National Weather Service in Peachtree City website, and make a plan on where you and your family will ride out the storm.

It’s unlikely any storm would still be hurricane strength by the time it reaches our neck of the woods, but heavy winds and tornadoes are a possibility with tropical storms. 

But, hurricane preparedness week isn’t just about where you’re currently living.  We all appreciate a trip to the beach every now and then, but there’s always a chance a storm could throw off vacation plans for anyone going to east Georgia or Florida. Keep an eye on the weather before you travel.

Hopefully this will be a relatively inactive hurricane (and spring tornado) season overall, but it’s always best to be ready, just in case.