Dominion Energy, Hardeeville firefighters urge Lowcountry residents to prepare before severe weather

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - With hurricane season underway, Dominion Energy and local first responders are urging Lowcountry residents to prepare before the next storm threatens the area.

Hardeeville Fire Department Assistant Chief Woody Childs, who responded to Hurricane Helene when it moved through Georgia and parts of South Carolina nearly two years ago, said severe weather can quickly overwhelm communities.

“Hurricane Helene caught everyone by surprise,” Childs said.

The department encourages residents to evacuate when advised to do so. Those who cannot leave should take steps to protect themselves and their homes, including having materials ready to board up windows and clearing yards of loose objects that could become flying debris.

“Board up windows. Hurricane Matthew taught us that,” Childs said. “Making sure you police your yard for flying debris and things of that nature.”

Dominion Energy spokesperson Tony Chiavaroli urged residents to think beyond a traditional emergency kit.

“Try to touch on things that go beyond the emergency kit for folks at home,” Chiavaroli said. “Try to expand upon that and focus on a few different items that may easily be forgotten.”

Three ways to prepare

Dominion Energy recommends residents:

• Plan for medical equipment: Customers who rely on electricity-powered medical equipment should notify the company and have an alternative plan in case of an outage.
• Know how to operate devices manually: Learn how to manually operate automatic devices, such as garage doors and electronic locks, if power or Wi-Fi goes out.
• Prepare security systems: Make sure security systems have battery backups or are fully charged and ready to operate manually.

Residents should also charge mobile phones, laptops and portable battery packs before severe weather arrives.

Dominion Energy encourages customers with questions about storm preparedness or available programs to contact the company.